Two men aged 31 and 37 have been arrested in El Campello by the Guardia Civil after being accused of running a deceptive scam targeting elderly people using cash machines. The suspects are believed to be behind eight offences across various Spanish towns, allegedly stealing more than 19,000€ from their victims.
The operation began when officers from the Guardia Civil Investigation Unit in El Campello spotted a suspicious scene near an ATM while carrying out surveillance. An elderly couple was withdrawing money when two men approached and started interacting with them.
The behaviour of the men alerted investigators, who called for backup from a uniformed patrol. Officers arrested both suspects, finding them in possession of 1000€ allegedly taken from the couple, a further 3400€ in cash, and a bank book belonging to another victim.
Investigators have identified a method known as scalping, a criminal technique that preys on the vulnerability of older people at cash machines. According to the Guardia Civil, the suspects approached victims during banking operations and discreetly watched the secret number entered to access accounts.
Once the PIN was obtained, the men started a conversation to distract the victims. Taking advantage of the distraction, they allegedly stole the bank card or passbook alongside any cash just withdrawn.
The crime did not stop there, as having the documents and PIN allowed the alleged perpetrators to make further withdrawals, significantly increasing the financial loss.
Investigations have linked the two detainees to eight criminal acts committed between February and October 2026 across different parts of Spain. In the province of Alicante, police located actions linked to the suspects in Orihuela, Torrevieja, Sant Joan d’Alacant and El Campello. The activity also extends to Benicassim in Castellon, Tavernes de la Valldigna in Valencia, and San Roque in Cadiz.
Investigators estimate that the suspects stole more than 19,000€ using this method, which targeted elderly people. Following the arrest, the two men were placed at the disposal of the Instruction Section of the Court of First Instance of Alicante, and the judicial authority agreed to their release with precautionary measures, as reported by the Alicante Guardia Civil Command.
