Vishing in Spanje: zo bescherm je jezelf tegen telefoonfraude

Phone call fraud -- known as vishing -- has reached alarming levels in Spain. An estimated 28% of all phone calls are fraud or spam, meaning nearly 3 in 10 calls you receive could be an attempt to scam you.

The Scale of Vishing in Spain

• 28% of calls are fraud or spam (3 in 10)
• "Si" fraud records voice confirmation for unauthorized contracts
• Double-call scam: first call hangs up, second impersonates your carrier
• Government approved anti-fraud measures in February 2025, blocking international-origin calls with Spanish numbers

Common Vishing Techniques

The "Si" Fraud Explained

This particularly insidious scam works by getting you to say "si" (yes) during a phone call. The scammer records your voice confirmation and uses it to authorize contracts, subscriptions, or financial transactions in your name.

How to Avoid It

• Never answer phone calls with "si" -- say "digame" or "hola" instead
• If a caller asks "Can you hear me?" hang up immediately
• Never confirm personal details to an incoming caller

Government Anti-Fraud Measures (2025)

In February 2025, the Spanish government approved new anti-fraud measures:

• Blocking international calls that display Spanish phone numbers
• Requiring telecom operators to verify caller identity
• Stricter penalties for phone fraud operations

How to Verify Caller Identity

When someone calls claiming to be from your bank, utility company, or government agency:

1. Hang up the call
2. Find the official number on the organization's website or your statements
3. Call back directly using the official number
4. Never provide personal information to incoming callers

For sensitive communications, use a secure channel. LOCK.PUB lets you create encrypted chat rooms where you can verify identities safely, without exposing personal details over a phone call.

Reporting Vishing

Use Secure Channels Instead

Rather than sharing sensitive information over phone calls -- where you can never be sure who is really on the other end -- use LOCK.PUB to create password-protected links or encrypted chat rooms. Verify identity first through a trusted channel, then share information securely.

Phone fraud in Spain is a growing problem, but awareness is your best defense. Never trust an incoming call that asks for personal information, and always verify through official channels.