Gang Who Stole Bank Cards from Elderly People Across Spain Caught Red-Handed in Costa Blanca Supermarket

Caught Just Before Striking Again

Three men have been arrested inside a supermarket in Santa Pola on the Costa Blanca, caught by police at the moment they were about to target their latest victim. The trio had been operating a coordinated bank card theft operation targeting elderly people across multiple Spanish regions, and one of the suspects had been previously arrested over 100 times for similar offences.

A judge has ordered all three men into pre-trial custody following charges of numerous counts of fraud and theft.

How the Gang Operated

The method was calculated and practised. According to the Policía Nacional, the gang would first position themselves next to a target — typically an elderly person at an ATM or paying by card in a shop — and memorise their PIN as it was entered.

One member of the trio would then approach the victim with a distraction — telling them they had dropped something, or simply asking for help. While attention was diverted, a colleague would lift their wallet or bank card.

Armed with the stolen card and the PIN already noted, they would then:

• Make multiple small ATM withdrawals at low values to stay under bank alert thresholds
• Make small purchases to avoid triggering fraud flags
• Access online banking apps to carry out additional fraudulent transactions

From a single stolen card, the gang made withdrawals and transactions totalling more than €3,000.

A Pattern Across Four Regions

The investigation began in the Cartagena area of Murcia in December, after several similar offences were reported to authorities. It soon became clear the gang was mobile, operating across Alicante, Granada, Málaga and Murcia in an organised and coordinated pattern.

The arrest in the Santa Pola supermarket came as officers caught the men in the act — moments before what would have been another victim added to their tally.

Police Warning: Stay Vigilant

The Policía Nacional has issued a public appeal for vigilance, particularly in crowded public spaces such as supermarkets, banks and ATMs. Their advice:

• Shield your PIN when entering it at any machine or card reader — cover the keypad with your other hand
• Be wary of strangers who approach you unexpectedly near ATMs or tills, especially if they engage you in conversation or claim you have dropped something
• If your card is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately to freeze it — the faster the call, the less damage can be done
• Consider setting low daily limits on card withdrawals for day-to-day use

For expats — particularly those who may be less familiar with local fraud patterns — this type of distraction theft is worth being aware of. The gang specifically targeted elderly people, but the technique can be used against anyone who is not vigilant at payment points.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 27, 2026.