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Scams on the rise in Alicante as police warn of growing threats
Fake bank calls, bogus rentals and child-in-distress schemes top the list of crimes troubling the province
Alicante residents are being warned to stay alert as scams continue to rise across the province. Building on previous, recent alerts about increasing fraud and car thefts, the Policía Nacional reports that certain types of scams are particularly common and continue to show a sustained upward trend.Cristian Plaza, spokesperson for the Policía Nacional in Alicante, explained that while the increase is not dramatic, “the phenomenon is marked by the constant appearance of new variants”. He added that “many of these investigations are particularly complex, often involving organised networks, sometimes with branches outside Spain, and structures known as money mules used to obscure the money trail and dilute criminal responsibility.”
According to the 2025 police report, the three scams causing the most problems are the fake bank, the nonexistent rental, and the child in distress.
The fake bank scam is the most frequently reported. It typically begins with a phone call, SMS, or instant message that appears to come from a legitimate bank, warning of a fraudulent transfer, suspicious charge, or an imminent account block. The urgency often leads victims to share bank codes, passwords, or verification codes, allowing scammers to empty accounts within minutes.
Investigators note that these frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fake messages and websites closely mimicking real banks. The Policía Nacional reminds residents that no bank ever requests security codes or passwords by phone or SMS and advises contacting the bank directly through official channels if in doubt.
The second most common scam is the nonexistent rental, especially in popular tourist areas. Criminals offer properties that do not exist or are unavailable, often accompanied by attractive photographs, and request deposits that are never returned. Plaza advises using reputable platforms, being wary of ads that avoid showing the property, and viewing the property in person or through someone trustworthy whenever possible.
Rounding out the top three is the child-in-distress scam, which has recently resurged. In these cases, fraudsters pose as family members experiencing urgent financial needs and request immediate money. Plaza stresses the importance of prevention, particularly among the elderly, and recommends families establish a security code to verify messages.
Finally, Plaza also highlighted the rise in fake investments, especially in cryptocurrency, which, although less frequent than other scams, is showing a clear upward trend. Criminals simulate profitable opportunities, build trust through ads or promotional links, and induce victims to make payments that are never recovered.
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