Wave of Phone Scams Targets Expats and Locals in Spain

In a troubling trend that has been escalating over the past year, Spain has seen a significant surge in phone scams, particularly targeting both expats and local residents. Here are some key details and tips to help you navigate this challenging landscape.

Voice Phishing Scam Ring Busted

Recently, Spanish police, in collaboration with their Peruvian counterparts, dismantled a large-scale voice phishing (vishing) scam ring. This operation resulted in the arrest of 83 individuals, with 35 apprehended in various Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca, Salamanca, and Vigo, and another 48 in Peru. The leader of the ring was also captured during the raids, which seized cash, mobile phones, computers, and documents[1].

These scammers used sophisticated tactics, including stolen databases, pre-written social engineering scripts, and caller spoofing technology to impersonate official bank representatives. They would alert victims about unauthorized ATM withdrawals, guiding them through fake account verification processes and tricking them into sharing one-time passcodes. This scam defrauded at least 10,000 people, generating €3,000,000 in illicit proceeds.

Rising Scam Attempts

A recent survey by FICO highlights the pervasive nature of scams in Spain. It reveals that 80% of Spanish consumers have received potential scam attempts via text, email, or phone calls, a 4% increase from the previous year. The survey also notes an increase in real-time payment (RTP) scams, with 7% of victims losing more than €5,000 in 2024, up from 4% in 2023[2][5].

Brushing Scam Alert

In addition to phone scams, a new type of scam known as "brushing" has been warned against by the Spanish police. In this scam, fake packages are sent to homes with QR codes that, when scanned, direct the recipient to a fraudulent website designed to phish personal and banking data. The Guardia Civil advises against scanning any QR code unless you are certain of its origin and purpose[3].

Identifying Unknown Callers

To protect yourself from these scams, it is crucial to identify unknown callers effectively. Apps like Truecaller and Hiya are highly recommended for their accuracy in labeling spam calls. These apps work by crowdsourcing data from users, making them more effective as more people use them. Alternatively, you can save the unknown number to your contacts and check WhatsApp, or perform a quick Google search to see if the number has been reported as spam[4].

Consumer and Bank Responsibilities

The FICO survey also underscores the shared responsibility between consumers and banks in preventing scams. While 44% of Spanish consumers accept responsibility for falling victim to scams, they also believe banks should share some blame. Notably, 73% of consumers think banks should refund scam victims always or most of the time. Banks are advised to deploy better fraud detection systems and provide proactive warnings to customers to prevent scams[2][5].

Tips for Expats and Locals

• Verify Caller Identity: Always verify the identity of the caller, especially if they claim to be from your bank. Banks never ask for sensitive information like card details, ID details, or one-time passwords over the phone.
• Use Scam Detection Apps: Utilize apps like Truecaller and Hiya to identify unknown and spam calls.
• Be Cautious with QR Codes: Never scan a QR code unless you are certain of its origin and purpose.
• Report Scams: If you fall victim to a scam, report it to your bank immediately. Spanish consumers have shown a high level of satisfaction with their banks' scam resolution processes.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated with the latest scam alerts and methods through official channels and local news.

By being vigilant and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to these sophisticated scams in Spain.