Two held over bank scam that netted more than €140,000

Guardia Civil officers have broken up a telephone bank fraud network accused of tricking victims across Spain out of more than €140,000, with two people arrested and nine others under investigation in a probe centred on the Malaga area.

The force said the group allegedly posed as bank staff during phone calls, persuading people to hand over card details, passwords and transfer money to accounts controlled by the suspects.

The investigation, known as operation Inifa, was led by officers from the Torrox-Algarrobo post in Malaga. According to the Guardia Civil, the suspected offenders were based in several provinces, including Cadiz, Seville and Ciudad Real.

How the alleged scam worked

Investigators say the suspects used a familiar impersonation tactic, calling people and claiming there was a problem with their accounts or payments. Victims were then allegedly guided into making transfers or sharing banking credentials, allowing the network to move money quickly.

The Guardia Civil said the criminal group targeted people in different parts of Spain and used multiple identities and accounts to hide the trail of the funds. It also said the alleged losses totalled more than €140,000.

Police have not said how many victims were involved, but the case has now been sent to the relevant courts in Torrox and Chiclana de la Frontera.

Arrests and investigation

Two people were arrested and nine more are being investigated on suspicion of fraud, membership of a criminal organisation and related offences. The Guardia Civil said the operation remains open as officers continue to examine the financial movements linked to the case.

The case follows other recent fraud investigations on the Costa del Sol, including a fake rental scam probe in Malaga that also led to arrests and property fraud allegations.