Police Issue Warning Over Rising Smishing Scams Targeting Personal Data
The National Police have issued a warning regarding the rise of "smishing" scams, which use urgent, impersonated text messages to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive personal and financial information.
Cybercriminals are increasingly using "smishing"—fraudulent text messages—to steal personal information and money. The National Police have warned that these scams rely on psychological manipulation to trick people into handing over their credentials.
These scams work by impersonating trusted organizations. Attackers send messages that look like official alerts from banks, government agencies (such as tax or social security offices), delivery companies, or online service providers. The messages often claim there is an urgent problem, such as a blocked bank card or a delivery issue, and urge the recipient to click a malicious link or call a premium-rate phone number.
The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) explains that these attacks succeed by creating a false sense of urgency. By playing on a victim’s fear or promising a benefit, criminals hope to bypass the user's caution. These scams often adapt to the time of year; for example, delivery-related fraud tends to spike during busy shopping periods like the holidays or seasonal sales.
To stay safe, authorities advise everyone to be skeptical of any unexpected message asking for personal or financial details. Do not click on links in these messages. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, you should report it to the National Police or the Civil Guard, providing any digital evidence you have to help them investigate and stop these criminal networks.