A holiday rental scam has been uncovered in the popular Lanzarote resort of Puerto del Carmen, with police arresting a group accused of fraudulently claiming refunds for properties they had already used.
Officers from the Local Police in Tías say the group used online platforms to book villas and apartments in the busy tourist area. The properties were then occupied, often by others, before the scammers requested refunds, falsely claiming they had never stayed in them.
In some cases, police say the suspects also used credit cards that did not belong to them to pay for the bookings.
The force said it had been investigating the unusual pattern of rental fraud for several months, following a series of complaints.
Nightlife Venues Targeted in Police Operation
In a separate operation, the Local Police of Tías joined forces with the Guardia Civil, National Police foreign affairs unit, and the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate to carry out inspections at several nightlife venues over the weekend.
The coordinated action led to multiple reports being filed for breaches of public entertainment laws, as well as workplace and administrative violations.
Stroke Victim Rescued by Police After Neighbours' Concern
Meanwhile, officers in Tías are being credited with saving the life of a local man after neighbours raised concerns about not having seen him for several days.
Police forced entry into the man’s home after he failed to respond to calls. He was found paralysed in a chair, having suffered a stroke, and was taken to the Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the man had likely been immobile for several days and that the intervention came just in time.
Police also noted a recent rise in similar welfare checks across the area, although not all cases have ended as positively.
