- The National Police arrest a 47-year-old worker in Jaén for a fraud of 400.000 euros.
- The employee took advantage of a computer glitch and real customer data to contract high-end mobile phones.
- The operations were carried out in Jaén capital and Martos, with at least 27 unauthorized contracts.
- The investigation remains open, and advice is being offered on how to detect unauthorized hiring.
The National Police have focused on a fraud that has shaken the telecommunications sector in Jaén. An employee of a well-known operator has been arrested as the alleged perpetrator of a scam that has left a hole of nearly €400.000 in the company she worked for.
The 47-year-old woman took advantage of her position and a flaw in the computer system to purchase high-end mobile phones using the documentation of legitimate customers without their consent. The investigation, carried out by the UDEF-Technological Crimes Unit, has uncovered at least 27 fraudulent transactions.
The modus operandi of the alleged scam
According to police sources, the employee abused her job privileges to carry out recruitment. These recruitments were conducted from branches located both in the city of Jaén and in the town of Martos. A flaw in the computer system allowed her to bypass the necessary authorizations , and the terminals she obtained were subsequently used to generate financial gain.
The investigation has confirmed that at least 27 unauthorized transactions were carried out. The affected company estimates its losses at around €400.000 , a figure confirmed by the National Police in their official statement. The arrest took place on August 25, 2026.
How to know if you have been a victim of unauthorized recruitment
Given the possibility that customer data has been used, experts recommend reviewing the operator's online account, recent bills, and lines linked to the customer's identity. It is crucial to check for deferred payments, devices, or activations that were never requested . If any irregularities are detected, a copy of the documentation used to sign up should be requested from the company.
The investigation does not confirm that all affected customers have been charged or have active contracts. However, if an unfamiliar contract appears, the affected party should file a complaint with the operator, being vigilant for risks such as SIM card cloning . They can request the cancellation of the contract and the blocking of any charges , as well as retain all invoices and communications to substantiate their claim.
Steps to file a claim and legal deadlines
Telephone companies are required to accept complaints by phone and must provide a reference number. The operator has a maximum of one month to respond . If the response does not resolve the issue, the user can contact the Telecommunications User Service Office of the Ministry or a Consumer Arbitration Board.
To appeal to the ministerial office, there is a three-month period from the date of the operator's response or from the end of the month available to respond. Among the matters that can be appealed are unsolicited contracts and incorrect billing . This procedure allows for discussion of the contractual relationship, but it does not determine criminal liability, which falls under the purview of the police investigation and subsequent trial.
Criminal consequences for the alleged perpetrator
The potential data fraud also has legal implications. The Penal Code contemplates aggravated offenses when a scam exceeds €50.000 or affects numerous people. The company's estimate far exceeds this threshold , although it will have to be proven in court. Furthermore, Article 197.2 punishes the unauthorized appropriation or use of confidential data.
The arrest does not equate to a guilty plea. The operation remains open and further arrests are possible , according to the National Police. Individual damages have yet to be determined, and the case is now in the hands of the justice system.
The arrest of this employee in Jaén has uncovered a major fraud in the telecommunications sector. A combination of a computer glitch and a breach of trust allowed for 27 fraudulent contracts to be signed, resulting in losses of €400.000. While the investigation continues, those affected have clear mechanisms available to file claims and protect themselves against potential misuse of their personal data.
