Warning issued after scam texts posing as banks hit Canary Islands
A 32-year-old man has been arrested for targeting victims, including one in Gran Canaria, using fraudulent text messages posing as banks. The scam, known as “smishing”, has caused losses of more than €2,000.
The suspect was detained in Dolores, Alicante, following an investigation by the Guardia Civil. He is accused of carrying out at least three separate fraud offences affecting victims in different parts of Spain, including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The case began in September after a victim reported being tricked into sharing bank details via a fake message that appeared to come from their bank. Using the stolen information, the suspect created a virtual bank card and withdrew €1,200 in cash from an ATM in Guardamar del Segura.
Officers traced the activity through digital evidence and security camera footage, which helped identify the suspect. Further enquiries linked him to similar scams involving victims in Gran Canaria and Murcia.
He was arrested on 23rd March following a surveillance operation and later appeared before a court in Orihuela, where he was released pending trial. Investigations remain ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more victims.
Police are warning people in the Canary Islands to be cautious when receiving unexpected text messages requesting personal or banking information. Anyone who receives suspicious messages is advised not to click on links or share details, and to contact their bank directly using official channels.
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