Art. 248.1 CP
Basic fraud
Deception causing a prejudicial act of disposition: six months to three years.
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Fraud · Property · Alicante
Fraud lawyer in Alicante
From classic deceit to online scams: fraud turns on deception and loss.
Fraud, online scams, breach of trust or property fraud in Alicante and on the Costa Blanca: Articles 248 to 251 of the Spanish Criminal Code punish deception that causes a prejudicial act of disposition. Victim or accused, the defence turns on the deception, intent and the tracing of funds.
In brief. fraud (Art. 248) requires sufficient deception causing a mistake and a prejudicial act of disposition. It is aggravated above 50,000 euros or for certain forms (Art. 250), and covers computer fraud (Art. 248.2), breach of trust (Art. 252) and property fraud (Art. 251). In Alicante, traceability and fraudulent intent are decisive.
Key facts
248
Fraud: deception causing a prejudicial act of disposition.
250
Aggravated fraud, notably above 50,000 euros.
24h
English-speaking lawyer in Alicante, defence and recovery.
Deception and loss
Fraud rests on a deception. Article 248 requires sufficient deception causing a mistake that leads the victim to a prejudicial act of disposition. Without prior deception, a mere non-payment is a civil matter, not criminal.
Aggravating factors and forms multiply. Above 50,000 euros (Art. 250), computer fraud (Art. 248.2), breach of trust (Art. 252) and property fraud (Art. 251) broaden the field, common on the Costa Blanca.
The line with a civil dispute is decisive. Distinguishing fraud from a mere contractual breach, often wrongly raised as criminal, is a major line of defence.
What we defend
The forms of fraud
Art. 248.2 CP
Computer fraud
Computer manipulation producing a non-consented transfer.
Art. 250.1 CP
Aggravated fraud
Loss above 50,000 € or qualified forms: one to six years.
Art. 251 CP
Property fraud
Selling or letting property while concealing charges or without title.
Art. 252 CP
Breach of trust
Misappropriation of goods or funds entrusted for a specific purpose.
Art. 249 CP
Sentence determination
Sentence set by the amount, the loss and the means.
Art. 250.1.1 CP
Essential goods
Aggravation where the fraud concerns essential goods or housing.
Art. 116 CP
Civil liability
Restitution and compensation of the victim, in addition to the penalty.
Contract
Mere civil dispute
A non-payment without deception is a civil, not criminal, matter.
Penalty framework
Indicative overview
| Offence | Article | Penalty framework | Key aggravating factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic fraud | 248.1 | 6 months – 3 years | Multiple victims |
| Computer fraud | 248.2 | 6 months – 3 years | Technical means |
| Aggravated fraud | 250.1 | 1 – 6 years | Loss > 50,000 € |
| Property fraud | 251 | 1 – 4 years | Concealed charges |
| Breach of trust | 252 | Fraud sentence | Entrusted goods misappropriated |
| Essential goods / housing | 250.1.1 | Aggravated penalty | Victim vulnerability |
| Civil liability | 116 | Restitution + compensation | Tracing of funds |
| Civil dispute | — | Outside criminal law | No deception |
Indicative figures based on the Spanish Criminal Code. The penalty depends on the amount, the loss and the form. This table does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
Criminal deception or mere non-payment: the decisive distinction
Not every debt is fraud. Criminal law requires deception prior to or concurrent with the act of disposition. Establishing its absence often sends the matter to the civil courts, without criminal liability.
We trace the funds for victims. Tracing of transfers, interim measures and bank cooperation determine the recovery of the defrauded sums, in Alicante and beyond.
01
Distinguishing criminal fraud from a civil dispute
02
Analysis of the deception and fraudulent intent
03
Tracing of funds and recovery strategy
04
Defence of the accused or private prosecution for the victim
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Analysis of the facts and evidence
Phase 02
Complaint and interim measures
Phase 03
Investigation and analysis of the flows
Phase 04
Trial in Alicante and reparation
Who we represent
In Alicante and around
V
Victims
People deceived seeking reparation and recovery of funds.
D
People under investigation
People accused of fraud in a sometimes purely civil context.
I
Property buyers
Buyers who are victims of property fraud on the Costa Blanca.
E
Businesses
Companies facing commercial fraud or breach of trust.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
Is a non-payment fraud?
In principle no. Fraud requires deception prior to or concurrent with the act; a mere failure to pay is a civil matter.
When is fraud aggravated?
Notably above 50,000 euros of loss, or where it concerns housing or essential goods (Art. 250).
Is online fraud punished?
Yes. Computer fraud (Art. 248.2) covers computer manipulation producing a non-consented transfer of assets.
Can I recover my money?
That is the aim: interim measures, tracing of transfers and civil liability (Art. 116) determine recovery.
What is property fraud?
Selling or letting property while concealing charges or without sufficient title (Art. 251), common on the Costa Blanca.
Where will the case be heard?
Before the competent courts of Alicante. The firm acts 24/7, in defence and for victims.
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.
Provisions cited on this page:
Article 248 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 250 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 252 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 251 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 249 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 116 of the Spanish Criminal CodeSpanish Criminal Code article by article
Article 248 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 250 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 252 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 251 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 249 of the Spanish Criminal CodeArticle 116 of the Spanish Criminal CodeSpanish Criminal Code article by article
Related pages on this subject
Paseo De La Castellana 216 8º 28046 Madrid
Alicante – Playa de San Juan Av. Ansaldo 31, local 16, 03540 Alicante
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