Guardia Civil Warning: Beware of New Phone Scam Using ‘Spoofing’ Technology
1. A Call from an “Official” Number: The New Face of Fraud
According to a report from the Guardia Civil in Madrid, several citizens have recently reported receiving calls that appear to come from the agency’s official phone number. The callers identify themselves as Guardia Civil officers, falsely claiming the victim’s account has been compromised and offering to guide them through ‘emergency measures’ to prevent further financial loss.
The core of this scam lies in a technique known as ‘spoofing.’ This technology allows fraudsters to alter their caller ID to display any real number they choose, including the official contact numbers of banks, government agencies, or even the police. Therefore, even if the incoming call shows a trusted official number, it could be a trap set by criminals.
2. Psychological Warfare: Creating Panic and Making Threats
During the call, the fraudsters typically use an urgent and aggressive tone to exert psychological pressure on the victim. They will claim there are serious issues with the victim’s accounts, such as unusual financial activity or outstanding loans.
To escalate the panic, the scammers will issue threats, warning that if the victim does not follow their instructions immediately, they will face ‘serious legal consequences,’ such as arrest or having their bank account frozen. When the victim is frightened and confused, the fraudsters suggest continuing the conversation via an instant messaging app like WhatsApp, claiming they will ‘help’ resolve the issue.
3. The Trap: Installing Software for Remote Access and Theft
The most dangerous step of the scam occurs in the subsequent communication. The fraudsters will persuade the victim to download and install a ‘technical support’ or ‘security’ application. Once the victim installs the app and grants it all the requested permissions, the scammers gain remote control over the phone.
With this control, they can directly access the victim’s phone screen, open mobile banking apps, watch the victim enter their passwords, or initiate transfers themselves, ultimately stealing their banking information and draining their accounts.
4. Official Advice: Hang Up on Any Call Demanding Money
The Guardia Civil has issued a strong warning about this type of scam and provides the following specific prevention tips:
- Stay Alert: No government or law enforcement agency will ever call you unexpectedly to ask for sensitive personal information like bank card numbers, passwords, or verification codes. They will certainly never ask you to install any remote control software.
Hang Up Immediately: If you receive an unsolicited call where the person uses any reason or threat to demand urgent payment, bank details, or personal data verification, hang up the phone at once. Do not engage with them.
Verify Independently: Never trust a caller just because the number appears official. If you have any doubts, hang up. Then, find the organization’s official contact number through a reliable public source, like their official website, and call them directly to verify the information. Never call back the number that contacted you or use any contact details they provide.
