The National Police have so far detained a total of 76 people in connection with various internet scams and frauds in what is thought to be the biggest operation of its kind.
Arrests have been made in almost all Spanish provinces as part of ‘Operación Ulises’, an investigation into internet fraud which is believed to involve around €3 million. The frauds include the selling of goods which never then appear, dodgy auctions and the harvesting and use of the bank details of others without their knowledge or permission, otherwise known as ‘phishing’ and ‘pharming’.
The 76 people arrested are: 47 Spanish, 5 Ukrainian, 5 Guinean, 4 Romanian, 2 Russian, 2 Moroccan, 1 Dutch, 1 Swiss, 1 Venezuelan, 1 German, 1 Uruguayan, 1 Brazilian, 1 Armenian, 1 Jamaican, 1 Cameroonian, 1 Argentine and 1 Moldavian
The police have seized several computers for analysis in the hope that they may lead them to other individuals involved in the frauds. Both Interpol and Europol are involved in the case due to the international nature of the fraudulent activities.
Meanwhile, the public are reminded to be extra careful so as not to become a victim of fraud. The general advice is:
- Ignore emails and phone calls from alleged banking institutions asking for data.
- Make sure you have up to date anti-virus software installed on your computer. There are plenty of good, free ones available if cash is a problem.
- Do not open email attachments from unknown sources as these can, and often do, contain ‘Trojan Horse’ viruses.
- Be wary of ultra-cheap offers for computers