A 38-year-old woman has been arrested in Tenerife on charges of fraud after allegedly collecting a total of €9,000 from three different people, as a deposit for the purchase of a property, a transaction that never materialised, as reported by the Guardia Civil yesterday (Tuesday).
The detainee is a resident of Candelaria, who had been advertising a property for sale, that she claimed to own, located on La Viuda Beach in that locality, on social media.
The woman showcased the house to potential buyers and, upon their expressed interest in acquiring the property, demanded a payment of €3,000 as a deposit for the purchase. Once she received the funds, she vanished, leaving the victims unable to contact her.
Following the formal complaints filed by the victim with the Guardia Civil, officers gathered sufficient evidence to elucidate the crime of fraud, leading to the arrest of the woman, as detailed in an official press release.
In their statement, the Guardia Civil provides cautionary advice to the public, emphasising scepticism towards advertisements offering properties for sale or rent at unreasonably low prices. Additionally, it underlines the importance of obtaining the full contact details of the seller.
The advisory also suggests being wary of advertisers unwilling to engage in phone conversations, providing only email addresses. Prospective buyers are urged to investigate the information provided by the advertiser and advised against making advance payments without adequate assurances.
They also recommend caution when dealing with advertisers pressing for quick payment. Before initiating any bank transfers, people are urged to verify the existence of guarantees. Furthermore, the statement highlights the necessity of requesting a photocopy of the seller's ID and a brief draft of the contract outlining dates, price, and potential deposit requirements.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure your money is safe is to deal with a reputable real estate agent.
