The National Police have detained a man and a woman, ages 31 and 36, respectively, in the Alicante town of Dénia for their involvement in a series of ongoing fraud and theft offences conducted in commercial enterprises in several towns, primarily targeting the elderly.
The accused persons snatched the victims’ wallets after witnessing their bank card PIN numbers, and then made fraudulent withdrawals and purchases.
They managed to swindle a total of 10,853 euros from five victims aged 64 to 88.
Modus operandi specialised in elderly folks
The inquiry began after authorities became aware of many criminal acts involving older persons in enterprises in Alzira, Benidorm, Dénia, and Alicante.
The culprits, a man and a woman, worked as a team and visited these locations to meticulously select their victims, older persons who spent more than 50 euros.
They took advantage of the card payment process to examine the PIN number, standing near to it without raising suspicion.
After memorising the secret number, they followed the victim and took their wallet while they were distracted. They used the bank card and PIN to withdraw cash from ATMs and purchase gift cards or high-value merchandise at other locations. They travelled to the crime scenes in rental vehicles, making identification and tracking impossible.
Police operations and arrests
The National Police identified the culprits and launched a specific operation to find them. They concentrated their efforts on the nearby retail centres, fearing they were seeking for more victims.
The vehicle used by the alleged offenders was discovered, and the two were apprehended and arrested as they fled a shopping centre. Their items included a freshly stolen bank card, approximately €1,000 in cash, gift cards from several places, and apparel to change their appearance.
Analysis of facts and judicialisation
Investigators discovered that those arrested behaved with expertise and coordination, entering establishments in broad daylight, periodically distancing themselves to avoid suspicion, and selecting especially susceptible victims. They successfully and discretely visualised the PIN, even using their finger movements as a guide.
Following their arrest, it was determined that they had no prior criminal history. Both were hauled before Denia Investigative Court, where they will face a variety of theft and fraud allegations. According to existing legislation, using bank cards obtained with illicit knowledge of the PIN is a kind of fraud.
Prevention: Keys to Protecting Yourself From This Kind of Crime
The National Police reminded everyone of the significance of taking precautions when making card payments. It is recommended:
• Always cover the POS terminal keypad when entering your PIN.
• Keep an eye on your wallet or handbag, particularly in crowded areas such as supermarkets or shopping malls.
• Be aware of people standing too near to you in the checkout queue.
• Avoid making loud comments about the amount or flashing your card to strangers.
Likewise, senior citizens are advised to be accompanied, whenever possible, when making important purchases and to immediately inform their families or the National Police of any suspicious situation or loss of personal belongings. Citizen engagement is critical for preventing this type of crime and protecting the most vulnerable populations.
No Comment! Be the first one.