Operation Vacadas is currently targeting a holiday rental scam that has left several victims in the Region of Murcia with financial losses. An investigation began in the summer of twenty twenty-four, following a complaint from a resident who had been conned out of money while attempting to reserve a holiday flat in Puerto de Mazarrón. The supposed landlord vanished, leaving the victim without recourse.

Authorities have confirmed at least a dozen cases and estimate that holidaymakers lost around five thousand euros due to bank transfers to unknown recipients. The suspects crafted convincing advertisements using their knowledge of local properties, even employing photographs stolen from legitimate real estate websites. This scam appears to have primarily affected individuals from the Region of Murcia and the Community of Madrid.

With enough evidence gathered, the Guardia Civil has identified and charged five individuals with various offences, including fraud and false documentation. Investigations continue to uncover whether more victims were affected, as the authorities remain committed to scrupulously addressing these fraudulent schemes.

In response to this crisis, the Guardia Civil urges people to exercise caution when booking holiday rentals online. They recommend verifying advertisement authenticity, taking care to avoid moving conversations away from official platforms, and being sceptical of unusually low rental prices. These precautions can help holidaymakers protect themselves from falling victim to similar scams.