Sponsored Satellite internet for Spain

Reliable internet when fiber is slow

High-speed satellite internet for towns where fiber is missing.

Check availability

Affiliate link. You receive one month of free service 30 days after activation.

Sponsored Spanish banking

Need a Spanish bank account? N26.

Open N26 in minutes and get EUR 50 in top stocks when you join.

Open N26

Affiliate link. EUR 50 stock bonus subject to N26 terms and availability.

Category

Consumer-Protection

Latest Consumer-Protection news and updates about Spain.

<- All News Categories
consumer-protection

Electricity Prices in Spain: What Expats Need to Know for 2025

As the New Year begins, expats and residents in Spain are bracing for significant changes in their electricity bills, driven by a combination of tax increases and alterations in the social bonus scheme.

VAT Increase to 21%

Starting January 1, 2025, the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity in Spain has reverted to 21%, marking the end of a three-year period of reduced rates. This change follows a series of reductions aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living crisis, with VAT initially lowered to 10% in June 2021 and further reduced to 5% in July 2022.

Read more ->
consumer-protection

Rising Christmas Food Prices in Spain: Tips for Expats to Save Money

As the holiday season approaches, many expats in Spain are facing a significant challenge: soaring prices for traditional Christmas foods. According to the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), the prices of key Christmas foods have increased by an average of 6.1% compared to last year, making this year's festive meals more expensive than ever.

Price Increases for Christmas Foods

The OCU has been monitoring the prices of 16 typical holiday foods at various markets and supermarkets across Spain since 2015. This year's analysis reveals some startling price hikes. Here are some of the most notable increases:

Read article ->
consumer-protection

Ensuring a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season: Toy Safety Tips for Expats in Spain

As the holiday season unfolds, many expats in Spain are eager to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones, especially children. However, amidst the excitement of shopping for toys, it is crucial to prioritize product safety to ensure a joyful and risk-free holiday experience.

The Importance of Toy Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has consistently highlighted the importance of toy safety, and these guidelines are equally relevant for parents and caregivers in Spain. According to recent reports, an estimated 154,700 children aged 12 years or younger were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2023, with non-motorized scooters being a leading cause of these injuries[1].

Read article ->
consumer-protection

How to Safely Remove Ice from Your Car Windshield: Essential Tips for Expats in Spain

As the winter months grip Spain, many expats are facing the familiar challenge of dealing with icy windshields on their vehicles. Removing ice safely and efficiently is crucial to ensure a safe and hassle-free drive. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate this common winter problem.

The Dangers of Improper Ice Removal

Leaving ice on your windshield or removing it improperly can be a significant safety hazard. Ice can blind you while driving, and falling ice from one car can damage another. Moreover, using the wrong methods can lead to costly repairs, such as cracked windshields, which can spread further in cold weather[1].

Read article ->
consumer-protection

Warning to Expats in Spain: Social Security Scam Alert Involving DNI Requests

In a recent alert, the Spanish Social Security administration has warned citizens and expats alike of a sophisticated scam targeting personal identification information, particularly the Spanish national identity card (DNI). This scam is part of a broader trend of identity theft that has been on the rise globally.

The Scam Details

The scam involves fraudsters contacting individuals, often via phone or email, posing as representatives of the Social Security administration. They claim that there is an issue with the recipient's DNI and request that the individual send a copy of their DNI card to supposedly resolve the matter. This ruse is designed to trick victims into divulging sensitive personal information, which can then be used for identity theft and other malicious activities.

Read article ->
consumer-protection

Warning to CaixaBank Customers: New SMS Scam Targets Account Security

In a alarming development, a sophisticated SMS scam has been identified, targeting customers of CaixaBank, one of Spain's major banking institutions. This scam, which has been flagged by the Agencia de Ciberseguridad de Cataluña (Catalan Cybersecurity Agency), is part of a larger campaign of cyber fraud that has been affecting CaixaBank clients since early January 2025.

The Scam's Modus Operandi

The scam begins with the receipt of a deceptive SMS message that appears to be from CaixaBank. These messages often display an alphanumerical identifier, such as 'CaixaBank', which can be easily spoofed by advanced users, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of the message. The SMS alerts the recipient that a new device, identified as 'Redmi (9AT)', has been linked to their bank account and prompts them to verify this information through a provided link.

Read article ->