Online shopping has become an everyday practice, but also a breeding ground for criminals. In recent months, Spanish law enforcement has uncovered several schemes dedicated to defrauding buyers through fake advertisements, fraudulent online stores , and secondhand platforms. From industrial machinery to video game consoles, and even housing rentals, the scams follow a common pattern: advance payments that never result in the delivery of the product.
The Civil Guard and the National Police have carried out operations that have identified dozens of suspects and recovered some of the defrauded money. However, experts warn that the true number of unreported cases is much higher and that artificial intelligence is facilitating the creation of increasingly difficult-to-detect scams. Below, we review some of the most recent cases and offer key tips for protecting yourself.
A forklift that never arrived
One of the most striking cases is that of a resident of AlmerÃa who paid €3.000 for a forklift advertised on social media. The buyer watched a video of the product, contacted the seller, and received photos and details to build trust. After paying the agreed amount to finalize the shipment, the supposed seller stopped responding. The investigation by the Guardia Civil's Cyber ​​Command revealed that the funds were moved between different accounts to conceal their origin. Ultimately, three people have been investigated in Las Palmas, Ciudad Real, and Barcelona for fraud and money laundering.
Fake online stores that impersonated real companies
The National Court has also focused on an organization that created 29 fraudulent websites to sell consoles, video games, and electronics. Among them was one that impersonated the Basque company Basque Gaming. The fraudsters copied the company's business information to give the appearance of legitimacy and collected payments via bank transfer, credit card, or Bizum (a mobile payment service). In total, 732 fraudulent transactions have been documented , and it is estimated that around 2.400 people were affected, although the court ruling only acknowledges a portion of the victims. Four members of the network have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from one and a half to two years and eight months.
Fraud also creeps into the rental housing sector
The real estate sector is also affected by these practices. A resident of Elche reported losing €2.000 while trying to rent a property. The listing appeared on a well-known website, but the fake owner convinced her to arrange payment outside the platform. After paying the first month's rent and the deposit, the scammer disappeared. The Civil Guard has identified a resident of Vigo as the alleged perpetrator, who is now under investigation for fraud and money laundering.
A police operation uncovers 191 victims across Spain
The National Police in San Fernando have also dismantled an organization that posed as buyers on secondhand websites. Their method consisted of contacting sellers of vehicles, motorcycles, or real estate and requesting a deposit to finalize the transaction. The scheme is believed to have defrauded 191 people across the country of more than €74.000 . Four people have been arrested, two of whom are in pretrial detention, and face fraud charges. In addition, officers seized €72.425 in cash and documents related to the illegal activity.
Tips to avoid falling into the trap
- Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true or prices that are far below market value.
- Verify the seller's identity and look for reviews or opinions outside the platform.
- Avoid paying in advance outside of official website channels.
- Always keep proof of payment, screenshots, and messages so you can file a complaint.
In short, online shopping scams are a growing problem in Spain. Both the Civil Guard and the National Police are working to dismantle these networks, but prevention remains the best weapon. Checking the website's authenticity , being wary of excessively low prices, and using secure payment methods are habits that can save us a lot of trouble. The best way to combat fraud is through information and caution.
