In a recent development, a 38-year-old woman residing in Candelaria, Tenerife, has been apprehended on charges of fraud, as reported by the Guardia Civil on Tuesday. The suspect stands accused of collecting a total of €9,000 from three individuals as a deposit for a property sale that never materialized.

According to authorities, the woman had been actively promoting a property on La Viuda Beach through various social media channels, claiming ownership of the residence. Prospective buyers, enticed by her advertising, were then shown the property. Subsequently, she requested a €3,000 deposit for the property's purchase. Once the funds were received, the woman disappeared, leaving the victims unable to reach her.

Following formal complaints from the victims, the Guardia Civil conducted an investigation, accumulating sufficient evidence to support charges of fraud. The arrest was made, and details were outlined in an official press release.

In response to this incident, the Guardia Civil has issued a cautionary advisory to the public. They underscore the importance of approaching property advertisements with skepticism, particularly those offering unrealistically low prices. Additionally, the advisory emphasizes the necessity of obtaining comprehensive contact details for the seller.

The Guardia Civil recommends exercising caution when dealing with advertisers who avoid phone conversations and solely provide email addresses. Prospective buyers are urged to scrutinize information provided by advertisers and refrain from making advance payments without adequate assurances. The advisory also encourages verifying the existence of guarantees before initiating any bank transfers.

For added security, your real estate agent should provide all relevant information and documents, and a concise draft of the contract, outlining crucial details such as dates, price, and potential deposit requirements.

In conclusion, the Guardia Civil stresses that the most effective way to ensure the safety of financial transactions in real estate is to engage with reputable real estate agents. Dealing with professionals who have a proven track record safeguards individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and ensures a smooth and secure property transaction.

To guarantee the safety of your real estate transactions, it is imperative to engage exclusively with reputable agents, as cautioned by the Guardia Civil. Their recent arrest of a fraudulent seller underscores the importance of due diligence and skepticism in property dealings.