Holidaymakers targeted in Lanzarote bank card theft scam
Two people have been arrested in Lanzarote after tourists had their bank cards stolen and used to rack up thousands of euros in fraudulent charges. The arrests follow a police investigation into a series of thefts affecting visitors across the island.
Officers detained two Romanian nationals suspected of four theft offences and four cases of bank fraud. Police estimate around €2,000 worth of belongings were stolen, while fraudulent transactions made using the stolen cards totalled approximately €8,000.
The investigation began earlier this year after a rise in incidents reported since February, particularly in the busy resort area of Puerto del Carmen. The suspects are believed to have used a coordinated distraction technique, working in pairs to steal items quickly from bags and wallets without the victims noticing.
Most of those targeted were older tourists, with thieves taking advantage of brief moments of distraction in crowded places such as bars, restaurants and other busy public areas.
What stood out to investigators was how quickly the stolen cards were used. In many cases, large transactions were made almost immediately in shops based outside of Spain, suggesting card details and security codes were passed on to third parties to carry out the purchases, sometimes exceeding €1,000 in a single transaction.
Police also found that the suspects used hire cars to move around the island and frequently changed holiday accommodation to avoid detection. After extensive enquiries, officers identified and tracked them before arresting them as they were preparing to strike again.
Both suspects appeared before a court the following day, while the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
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