Police in southern Spain have warned the public to remain vigilant after three suspected scammers posing as deaf charity workers were caught tricking shoppers into handing over money.

According to Chiclana Local Police, the trio were intercepted at a Family Cash supermarket in Chiclana de la Frontera – a town popular with tourists and expats.

They are accused of approaching customers with fake donation sheets and pretending to collect money for deaf people and poor children.

The suspects carried clipboards containing signature lists and handwritten donation amounts of €20, €25 and even €50 in an attempt to pressure members of the public into contributing.

Police said the individuals also displayed documents and symbols claiming affiliation with a hearing disability support association that allegedly does not actually exist.

The incident was spotted by an off-duty local police officer who happened to be shopping at the store at the time.

According to authorities, the officer became suspicious after noticing the individuals repeatedly approaching customers using gestures and paperwork to solicit cash.

He immediately alerted the supermarket’s security guard, who police praised for acting ‘with impeccable professionalism’ while helping detain the suspects until the Guardia Civil arrived.

In a further coincidence, an off-duty Guardia Civil officer who was nearby also assisted after hearing the commotion.

Uniformed Guardia Civil officers later transferred the three individuals to police facilities after discovering they allegedly had no known address in Spain and were carrying Romanian identification documents.

Local police reminded the public that this type of conduct may constitute fraud under Spanish law.

Although scams involving less than €400 are usually treated as minor offences, repeat offenders can face prison sentences of between six months and three years if they accumulate multiple similar offences.

Authorities are now urging residents and tourists to be cautious when approached for donations in public places and to report any suspicious activity immediately to police.