Two women have been arrested by the PSP for pretending to assist passengers at Lisbon Metro ticket machines, only to steal their wallets and use their payment cards after memorizing PIN codes.
The Arrest and Charges
The Comando Metropolitano de Lisboa da PSP confirmed that the two women, aged 16 and 21, were arrested in flagrante last week in the parish of Santa Maria Maior and have been placed in preventive detention. They are suspected of committing crimes including qualified theft, simple theft, abuse of payment cards, and document forgery.
How the Scam Worked
The women would roam the Lisbon Metro lines, approaching automatic ticket vending machines and offering to help users purchase or reload transport tickets. During this process, they would identify potential victims and memorize the PIN codes of payment cards whenever this method was used.
Afterward, they would follow the victims on metro rides and, at the most opportune moment, steal their wallets, which contained the payment cards used just moments before.
Spending Spree and Detection
With the stolen cards and known PIN codes, the suspects headed to commercial establishments where they purchased electronic goods, clothing, or beauty and aesthetic services. It was common for them to make these purchases by buying gift cards, which they would use days later in various stores across Lisbon.
The women were arrested last Thursday while buying two mobile phones, each valued at 1,249 euros, using payment cards stolen that same day from a tourist at the Baixa-Chiado metro station.
Financial Impact
As a result of the thefts and subsequent use of the payment cards, the total estimated loss amounts to approximately 14,000 euros, distributed among six victims.
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