Spanish Police Issue Urgent Warning Over Rising 'Vishing' Phone Scams
Spanish authorities have issued an urgent warning regarding a surge in "vishing" scams, where criminals impersonate trusted organizations to manipulate victims into granting remote access to their devices and bank accounts.
Cybercrime in Spain has become increasingly sophisticated, prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings about the rise of "vishing"—a form of telephone fraud designed to steal money by impersonating trusted organizations.
According to the National Police, scammers are calling victims while posing as representatives from banks or online shopping platforms. They often claim there has been a security breach that requires immediate attention. To "fix" the issue, the caller pressures the victim into sharing their device screen. This allows the criminals to watch in real time as the victim enters passwords, login credentials, and verification codes, giving the scammers direct access to bank accounts.
The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) explains that this is a form of psychological manipulation. The scammers rely on creating a false sense of urgency to panic their victims. Experts warn that this pressure is the biggest red flag.
Security forces emphasize that you must remain skeptical. Legitimate banks will never call, email, or text you to ask for passwords, confidential data, or remote access to your device. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. If you are worried, contact the company directly using their official phone number or website.
The National Police also advise against clicking any links sent during these calls and urge people to stay calm despite the pressure from the caller. If you are targeted, please report the attempt to the National Police or the Civil Guard. Reporting these incidents helps authorities track criminal networks and protects others from falling victim to the same scams.