Police Issue Warning Over Tax Season Phishing Scams
Spanish authorities have issued a warning regarding an increase in phishing scams targeting taxpayers during the 2025 filing season, urging citizens to verify all communications directly through official Tax Agency channels.
The 2025 tax season is officially underway, running from April 8th to June 30th, 2026. However, the National Police have issued a warning: this period is a prime time for cybercriminals to target taxpayers. As filing deadlines approach, authorities are urging the public to be extra cautious, as identity theft tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
The biggest threat is "phishing"—a scam where criminals send mass emails or messages pretending to be from the Tax Agency. These messages are designed to look official and often create a false sense of urgency. The goal is to trick you into clicking malicious links or downloading attachments that can infect your device and steal your banking credentials or personal data.
Police note that the most common lure is the promise of a tax refund. By dangling the prospect of extra money, scammers hope you will let your guard down. Cybersecurity experts advise everyone to carefully check the spelling and grammar of any suspicious emails, as these often contain errors that reveal they are fake.
This type of fraud is common in Spain, especially during busy administrative periods when scammers frequently impersonate public institutions. The police advice is clear: if you receive an unexpected notification, do not provide any personal information. Instead, verify the status of your tax filing directly through the official Tax Agency website or their verified service channels. Staying cautious with unsolicited messages is your best defense against those trying to exploit the trust between citizens and the government.