The Guardia Civil has arrested a 32-year-old man in Dolores in connection with three alleged smishing scams that caused losses of more than 2,000 euros across several provinces.
The investigation, known as Nodo_26, began last September after a complaint from a resident of Oliva de la Frontera in Badajoz. The victim had provided bank details after receiving a fraudulent text message posing as a well-known bank. The suspect then created a virtual bank card and withdrew 1,200 euros from a cash machine in Guardamar del Segura.
Officers carried out a detailed inquiry, including analysis of electronic evidence and CCTV footage, with support from colleagues in Dolores. They linked the suspect to at least two further scams using the same method, affecting victims in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and San Javier in Murcia.
The man was located in Dolores on 23 March and arrested. He has since appeared before the Civil Section of the Orihuela Court and was released on bail pending trial. Investigations are continuing and further victims have not been ruled out. The Guardia Civil has urged the public not to share personal or banking details via unverified messages.
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.