A new fraud on the rise
The Bank of Spain has issued a significant warning regarding a new type of telephone scam which, although not yet widely recognised, is already affecting numerous citizens throughout the country.
Ingenious methods of scammers
Scammers use a variety of sophisticated techniques to deceive their victims, taking advantage of the trust they can generate. In this case, they pose as computer technicians from reputable companies, which allows them to gain credibility with the victim.
The first contact
At the beginning of the call, the criminal informs the person about a suspected problem on their computer, mobile phone or other device. They then suggest that the only way to resolve this situation is to make a modest payment. To do this, they request credit card information under the premise that it is necessary to carry out the “solution” to the problem.
Dangers of remote access
Once the payment is completed, the scammers ask the victim to download a series of programs or applications. In this way, they manage to connect remotely to the affected person’s device.
Silence that hides fraud
While the criminals are busy ‘fixing’ the alleged problem, they advise the victim to silence their device, assuring them that they need not worry. This recommendation constitutes a serious error, since it allows them to access the victim’s bank accounts. This way, they can make transfers or online purchases using the person’s card, all without being detected.
Tips to avoid being a victim
To defend citizens from this type of fraud, the Bank of Spain has established a series of recommendations that everyone should follow:
Precautions when receiving calls
– Do not reveal personal information over the phone: avoid sharing sensitive details such as account numbers or passwords.
– Independent verification: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the company directly using a number you find on their official website.
– Be wary of haste: scammers usually generate a sense of urgency. Take your time to check the situation and don’t give in to the pressure.
– Enable two-factor authentication: Turn on this option for your bank accounts and other online services to add an extra layer of security.
