Two Arrested in Tenerife Over €150,000 Real Estate Fraud Scheme
Spanish authorities have arrested two individuals in Tenerife for allegedly defrauding over 100 victims of nearly 150,000 euros through a fake land-sale scheme advertised on social media.
Real estate scams are on the rise in the Canary Islands, with authorities recently dismantling a major fraud scheme in Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife. According to the newspaper El Día, the Civil Guard has arrested two people for allegedly defrauding over 100 victims out of nearly 150,000 euros.
The scammers used social media to target people looking for land in the area. They advertised plots in locations like Llano del Letrado and Hoya de las Perdices at bargain prices—roughly 15 euros per square meter—to lure in buyers. The suspects would then request upfront reservation fees, later blaming "bureaucratic delays" to explain why the deeds were never delivered. In reality, the land either did not exist or was not owned by the sellers.
The investigation, led by the Granadilla de Abona police, has confirmed 108 victims who have now filed official complaints. The two suspects are currently awaiting court proceedings.
This case serves as a warning to be cautious when buying property privately. Security forces advise that any real estate transaction should be backed by an updated "Nota Simple" from the Land Registry, which confirms who truly owns the property and whether it has any legal issues or debts. Experts also recommend visiting the land in person, checking its zoning status at the local town hall, and never handing over money without a formal, legally binding contract.