Handyman scam in North Mallorca: arrest, unanswered questions and what residents should do now

Arrest at dawn: a case that gives pause

In a quiet morning hour in the north of the island, between the cawing of seagulls and the distant ringing of a village church, the police moved in. A 40-year-old man was arrested, accused of allegedly defrauding around 20 people with supposedly cheap painting and renovation offers. The suspected total damage: about €30,000.

The scheme: fast, cheap, trustworthy

Descriptions from the ads sound familiar: listings on classified ad sites, surprisingly low prices, requests for deposits to purchase materials or reserve dates. Many victims paid in advance — and then waited in vain. To dispel doubts, the accused allegedly used the names of well-known companies and even showed copies of supposed IDs. Normal to outsiders, but often hard to prove later for victims.

Why the island is particularly vulnerable

Mallorca still lives by the handshake in many places: neighbors help neighbors, recommendations are exchanged over coffee. That's charming, but combined with digital ads it makes people vulnerable. Older residents and newcomers who do not yet know the local networks seem particularly affected. Many forgo written contracts or pay in cash — in short: the practices that fraudsters prefer — a dynamic discussed in a report on the vulnerability of Mallorca's real estate market to fraud.

The investigations: traces in chats and finca doors

The police worked for several months, collected reports, reviewed chat histories and spoke to witnesses. The trail led to a finca in the north of the island, where the suspect was finally arrested. In addition to the charge of fraud, he is also accused of making threats: when customers demanded their money back, the man allegedly reacted aggressively and with threats of violence.

What is often missing in public debate

In such cases the debate quickly goes in two directions: outrage at the perpetrator and calls for caution. Much less often do we talk about structural solutions: Why do platforms allow identities to be easily falsified? What role does local bureaucracy play in the verification of craft businesses? And how well are victims supported legally and psychologically when threats are added?

Concrete proposals that could help here

Investigations alone are not enough. We need simple, practical protective measures:

1. Transparency on platforms: More mandatory information for tradespeople, verified profiles and the possibility to publicly rate previous jobs.

2. Secure payment methods: Instead of cash payments or cash deposits: bank transfers, card payments or escrow accounts that secure work stages.

3. Local registry: A simple online list of authorized craftsmen at the municipal level — with phone numbers, tax or registration numbers.

4. Awareness raising: Information evenings in town halls, notices in supermarkets and tips in community newsletters — especially for older residents and newcomers.

What affected people should do now in practical terms

Anyone who commissioned work in recent months and noticed irregularities should go to the police immediately. Every report can help uncover patterns. In everyday life: ask for proof and references, record contract details in writing, do not pay in cash and call the police immediately if threatened. A small rule that often helps: ask around the neighborhood — personal recommendations are worth their weight in gold here.

A little island life and a serious lesson

Such cases are upsetting because they violate the trust that is still taken for granted in many parts of Mallorca. Between the smell of coffee from the bar and the sound of construction sites on the outskirts, the case is a reminder: friendliness and skepticism do not have to be mutually exclusive. A touch of skepticism at the next cheap offer can save a lot of trouble.

The police are continuing their investigation and further reports are being examined. For the community it is now: inform, network, protect — so that the island remains not only beautiful but also safe.