A deception that persists over time
The scam known as ‘tocomocho’, which has been a recurring problem in various Spanish cities, has resurfaced strongly in Madrid. This deception, which primarily targets elderly individuals, has led the National Police to carry out a series of arrests in the Usera district.
Last Thursday, officers from the Citizen Attention Group detected a vehicle driving suspiciously. Its occupants, two men and a woman, showed an unusual interest in elderly passers-by. Upon stopping the car to identify its occupants, the police discovered that there was a prior judicial claim against them.
During the search of the vehicle, key elements to carry out the scam were found: envelopes with sticky notes simulating bundles of cash, tickets for fake lotteries, jewellery, and more than 800 euros in fragmented cash. These items are an integral part of the ‘tocomocho’ modus operandi.
The technique behind the ‘tocomocho’ is cunning and deceptive. According to the National Police, the term comes from the expression “tocó mucho,” referring to the supposed prize that never actually exists. The criminals approach their victims under the pretext of having a winning ticket that they cannot cash for some reason.
To make their story more believable, they show a winning ticket along with a fake list where that number appears as a winner. They then offer this “supposedly winning” ticket in exchange for a considerable sum of money. If the victim falls into the trap and accepts the deal, the scammers even accompany them to their home or a bank to complete the transaction.
Despite how obvious this scam may seem to some, authorities warn about the skill and professionalism of those executing these frauds. The criminals are quick and convincing, making detection even more difficult. The most affected profile by these maneuvers is elderly individuals, who may be more vulnerable to such deceptions.
The three arrested have been placed at the disposal of the judiciary accused of an alleged crime against property. The police continue to work to dismantle networks dedicated to this type of fraud and remind citizens to stay alert to suspicious situations.
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