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Date Published: 28/12/2023

Murcia home buyers conned out of 60k in massive property scam

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The fraudsters ‘sold’ non-existent houses to customers in Aguilas, Granada and Almeria

Murcia home buyers conned out of 60k in massive property scam

More than 1,000 people were scammed when trying to purchase homes in fifteen housing developments across Almeria, Granada and Aguilas in Murcia in an elaborate con that’s reported to have raked in around 20 million euros.

Real Estate company Grupo 21 sold customers their dream home in the sun on luxury residential complexes for the bargain deposit of 10,000 euros. In south-west Murcia, these state-of-the-art homes were planned for Calle Pizarro (Atalaya de las Lomas) and the Residencial Mediterránea, between calles Francisco de Quevedo and Tomás Bretón.

Sadly, more than one hundred Aguilas victims, along with 500 in Almeria and 250 in Granada, never saw their homes get past the foundations.

The ploy was simple: the company offered above market value in order to secure the land, before drafting in an architect to draw up plans for the developments. These were then advertised in glossy marketing campaigns and buyers were convinced to hand over thousands of euros as a down payment.

While work did indeed begin on most of the projects, it was halted very quickly when it transpired that the developer didn’t actually have any money.

"We are working people who wanted a first or second home on the coast and we have seen our dreams cut short," explained one of the victims, Anna Ramírez, who parted with 10,250 euros for a home in Murcia which never materialised.

Pablo Sevillano, a lawyer who now represents around 500 of the victims, is trying to get their money back, but he acknowledges that it will be a long and complicated process.

The law requires developers to take out insurance that safeguards the financial interests of clients in case of insolvency, which didn’t happen here. Furthermore, banks are supposed to make sure promoters have this guarantee, another step that was missed.

Those affected have started a Telegram group to support each other and this week, hundreds came together at a rally held in Aguadulce in Almeria.

Mr Sevillano has now begun legal action against the banks and expects proceedings to begin in January.

In other news: Covid and flu cases skyrocket across Spain as temperatures plummet

Image: Grupo 21

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