Alert in Barcelona over a new banking scam using texts and calls

Barcelona residents are receiving calls and messages pretending to be from their bank. Scammers pose as employees and ask for sensitive data. The deception is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Local cybersecurity warns about the danger. Do not follow suspicious instructions.

In recent days, many people in Barcelona have seen their phones fill with calls and messages that seem to come from their own bank. The deception is so convincing that even those used to being wary can fall into the trap. Scammers present themselves as bank advisers and warn of an alleged suspicious movement in the user’s account.

The tactic is direct: after gaining trust, they explain step by step how to cancel the supposed fraudulent transaction. To reinforce credibility, they send an SMS with a code which in reality allows criminals to access the victim’s money. If the person follows the instructions, the result is an immediate loss of their funds.

The sophistication of this fraud has put cybersecurity authorities in Catalonia on alert, and they insist that codes must never be shared and instructions received by telephone or message must never be followed, however legitimate they seem. The impact of this type of scam is felt especially in neighbourhoods where digital banking is advancing quickly and trust in official channels is high.

The rise in these deceptions coincides with an increase in digital activity in the city, where more and more everyday tasks are carried out from a mobile phone. The recommendation is clear: if in doubt, contact the bank directly through official channels and do not reply to unexpected messages.

The body responsible for cybersecurity in Catalonia plays a key role in citizens’ digital protection. Its work ranges from fraud prevention to education about good online practice. In recent years, it has intensified campaigns warning about new forms of scam affecting both individuals and businesses. Its presence has become indispensable in a city where digital life is already part of everyday life.