Spanish police have arrested two Irishmen on the Costa Brava in connection with a scam that has been plaguing homeowners across Europe, often referred to as the “Irish scam.” The arrests, made last week, follow reports of a local resident being conned out of thousands of euros, according to authorities.
The alleged scheme involves a seven-person gang that reportedly used intimidation and coercion to pressure the victim into paying for unwanted home improvement work. The group is as well accused of physically blocking the homeowner’s property to ensure payment. This type of fraud, targeting vulnerable homeowners, has become increasingly prevalent, prompting warnings to residents and tourists alike.
The “Irish scam,” as it’s known by police across the continent, typically involves individuals posing as legitimate contractors offering to carry out work – often tarmac laying or minor home repairs – at a discounted rate. Whereas, the work is often substandard, overpriced, or entirely unnecessary. Authorities are urging caution, particularly in tourist hotspots like the Costa Brava, which attracts up to 200,000 Irish holidaymakers annually.
How the Scam Works
The scam operates in several variations, according to police reports. The most common involves criminals approaching homeowners claiming to have surplus materials from nearby roadwork projects, offering to resurface driveways at a reduced cost. Once the work begins, the gang often expands the scope of the project without authorization, then demands significantly more money than initially agreed upon. In the recent case on the Costa Brava, the gang allegedly blocked the homeowner’s driveway with their van to enforce payment, prompting a call to the Mossos d’Esquadra, the local police force.
Another tactic involves identifying minor faults on a property and offering to fix them cheaply, only to discover “more serious” issues requiring expensive repairs once work has commenced. A third, street-level scam involves approaching individuals, claiming a vehicle breakdown, and requesting cash for repairs, often using fake banking apps to deceive victims.
Police in France issued a warning last year about similar scams, highlighting the poor quality of the tarmac work carried out by these groups. Europesays.com reported on the arrests, noting the scam’s widespread reach across Europe.
Arrests and Investigation
The two Irishmen arrested by the Mossos d’Esquadra were found to be in possession of over €6,000 in cash. While both suspects have been released pending further investigation, they remain under formal scrutiny. Investigators believe there may be additional victims in the area and are actively pursuing leads. CorkBeo reported that the arrests took place in Llort de Mar, a popular tourist destination.
Authorities are advising anyone who suspects they have been targeted by this scam to contact the police immediately. The Mossos d’Esquadra are urging residents and visitors to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The prevalence of this scam highlights the need for increased awareness and caution, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. The “Irish scam” continues to evolve, with criminals adapting their tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify and apprehend all members of the gang and prevent further incidents. The focus remains on protecting homeowners and ensuring that those responsible for these fraudulent activities are brought to justice.
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