Art. 248 CP
Fraud
Deception producing a prejudicial act of disposition: six months to three years.
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Romance scam · Online fraud · Throughout Spain
Romance scam lawyer in Spain
A fake relationship, real transfers: behind the emotion lies aggravated fraud and laundering.
Fake online relationships used to obtain transfers, “romance scams” and their bogus fund-recovery follow-ups are prosecuted in Spain as fraud (Articles 248 to 250 of the Criminal Code), often combined with money laundering and organised crime. Whether victim or accused, the strategy differs and must be built quickly.
In brief. romance scams rely on a fabricated emotional bond to obtain transfers, then on fake “recovery” companies that target victims again. They constitute fraud (Art. 248), aggravated above 50,000 euros (Art. 250), often combined with computer fraud, money laundering (Art. 301) and organised crime. Tracing the funds and qualifying intent are decisive.
Key facts
248
Fraud: deception creating a mistake and a prejudicial transfer.
250
Aggravated fraud, notably above 50,000 euros of loss.
24h
English-speaking lawyer, victim assistance and defence throughout Spain.
One mechanism many offences
The heart of the scheme is fraud. Article 248 requires sufficient deception producing a mistake and a prejudicial act of disposition. The fabricated relationship, fake profiles and staged emergencies are its textbook form.
Aggravation and concurrence are frequent. Above 50,000 euros the fraud is aggravated (Art. 250); it is often combined with computer fraud (Art. 248.2), money laundering (Art. 301) and membership of an organised group (Art. 570).
“Recovery” is often a second scam. Fake fund-recovery firms re-contact victims to extract further payments. Identifying each link is essential, both in defence and as a private prosecution.
What we handle
The offences involved
Art. 248.2 CP
Computer fraud
Computer manipulation producing a non-consented transfer.
Art. 250.1 CP
Aggravated fraud
Loss above 50,000 € or numerous victims: one to six years.
Art. 301 CP
Money laundering
Concealing the origin of the defrauded sums: six months to six years and fine.
Art. 570 bis CP
Organised group
A structure dedicated to the fraud: substantial aggravation.
Art. 401 CP
Identity usurpation
Use of stolen identities and fake profiles.
“Money mule”
Account holders (mules)
People whose accounts channel the funds: liability to assess.
Art. 116 CP
Civil liability
Restitution and compensation of the victim.
“Recovery”
Recovery scam
Fake recovery firms defrauding victims a second time.
Penalty framework
Indicative overview
| Offence | Article | Penalty framework | Key aggravating factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud | 248 | 6 months – 3 years | Multiple victims |
| Computer fraud | 248.2 | 6 months – 3 years | Technical manipulation |
| Aggravated fraud | 250.1 | 1 – 6 years | Loss > 50,000 € |
| Money laundering | 301 | 6 months – 6 years + fine | International network |
| Organised group | 570 bis | Aggravation | Leadership role |
| Money mule | 248/301 | By the knowledge shown | Awareness of the origin |
| Civil liability | 116 | Restitution + compensation | Tracing of funds |
| Recovery scam | 248 | New fraud offence | Repeat targeting |
Indicative figures based on the Spanish Criminal Code. The penalty depends on the amount, the victims and each person’s role. This table does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
Follow the money, from first transfer to final account
These cases are won on traceability. Relay accounts, exchange platforms, crypto wallets and shell companies: reconstructing the path of the funds guides both the defence and the recovery strategy for victims.
We separate the organiser from the mere intermediary. A “money mule”, a good-faith intermediary or a manipulated account holder do not bear the same liability as the organiser — which must be established, item by item.
01
Tracing of funds and cooperation with exchange platforms
02
Distinguishing organiser, intermediary and money mule
03
Private prosecution and recovery strategy
04
Defence against aggravated fraud and laundering charges
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Analysis of flows and digital evidence
Phase 02
Complaint, investigation and interim measures
Phase 03
Identifying those responsible and the assets
Phase 04
Trial and reparation
Who we represent
Very different situations
V
Victims
People deceived seeking to recover funds and obtain reparation.
M
Account holders
People accused as money mules or presumed intermediaries.
I
Investors
Victims of investment “romance” schemes with a crypto component.
E
Businesses
Companies facing impersonation of their name or suspicious flows.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
Is a romance scam a criminal offence?
Yes. A fabricated relationship used to obtain transfers is fraud (Art. 248), often aggravated (Art. 250) where the loss exceeds 50,000 euros.
Can I recover my money?
That is the aim. Tracing of funds, interim measures and platform cooperation determine recovery. Beware “recovery” firms, often a second scam.
I am accused of being a “money mule”: what do I risk?
It depends on your knowledge of the funds’ origin. A manipulated account holder does not bear the organiser’s liability; the defence establishes the absence of intent.
Is laundering added to the fraud?
Often. Concealing the origin of the defrauded sums is money laundering (Art. 301), punishable by up to six years, in concurrence with the fraud.
Are these cases international?
Generally yes. Funds pass through several countries and platforms, requiring coordination for both defence and recovery.
What should I do immediately?
Keep all evidence (chats, transfers, screenshots) and contact the firm, available 24/7 throughout Spain.
Speak to a criminal lawyer
In a fast-track case, the days you have are the case.
Criminal defence in English before the courts of Alicante and the rest of Spain, for residents and for visitors who have flown home.
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