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A man purchases a pack of cigarettes from a vending machine EFE/ J.J.Guillen
They Used Empty Credit Cards to Get Free Cigarettes in Elche

They Used Empty Credit Cards to Get Free Cigarettes in Elche

The two alleged fraudsters exploited a computer glitch to carry out 536 transactions worth 3,127 euros

Alejandro Hernández

Elche

Domingo, 19 de enero 2025, 07:51

They used credit cards with no balance to trick vending machines and obtain cigarettes for free. This was the misdeed of two men who, for months, took advantage of a computer error to carry out the scam in several establishments in Elche, until the National Police caught and arrested them, as reported by TodoAlicante.

Apparently, the scammers used cards from the same bank as the machines. Despite the transaction being declined, the packs would drop. This illicit maneuver was practiced in a café, two 24-hour establishments, and a petrol station in the city.

Investigators suspect that the fraudsters sold the illicitly acquired cigarettes around the premises where they operated. In total, the apprehended individuals carried out 536 irregular actions and stole packs worth 3,127 euros, according to sources from the investigation shared with this newspaper.

The extractions were made in the afternoon, except on some occasions when they decided to act at night. Regarding the cigarette vending machines, they are owned by three tobacconists in Elche, who lease them for operation, as specified by the same sources.

In one of the 536 infractions, carried out in a 24-hour establishment, one of the apprehended handed the card to the employee to buy cigarettes. Once handed over, it was noticed that the transaction had been declined, prompting contact with the vending machine's owner.

The owner, alerted by the employee, informed her sister, who runs another tobacconist, to inquire if she had detected any fraudulent activities. Upon checking the statements, she realized she too had fallen victim to these fraudsters. The third affected party was a man who noticed the error and reported it to the National Police, who eventually caught the two alleged criminals.

The apprehended individuals, two Spanish men aged 37 and 39 with criminal records, are accused of fraud. During the arrest, officers seized the cards used for the scam. Both have been released after giving statements.

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todoalicante They Used Empty Credit Cards to Get Free Cigarettes in Elche