techend
By Ariz Riaz :
Almost everyone has experienced it: your phone rings from an unfamiliar number. When you answer, a polite voice asks for you by name and claims to be calling from a trusted company — perhaps your electricity provider, a bank, or a telecom firm. They already know your address, sometimes even your ID number, and they offer you an exclusive deal that supposedly expires within minutes.
That sense of urgency is no accident. It is one of the most common warning signs of a scam.
According to experts, these calls are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated, affecting thousands of people every day.
Cybercrime on the Rise
Marta Cabrera Vendrell, head of Public Service for Citizens at the Catalan Cybersecurity Agency, says cybercrime incidents are steadily increasing. In 2024 alone, the agency handled more than 3,300 reported cases — a rise of 26 percent compared to the previous year.
She adds that while many of these incidents were minor, reports made to the police suggest that around 300 scam attempts are recorded daily across digital platforms. The real number is likely far higher, as many victims never report what happened.
In Spain, experts estimate that millions of fraudulent calls are placed every single day, with criminals relying on volume: even if only a small fraction of people fall for the trick, the operation remains profitable.
Not Small-Time Criminals
Bruno Pérez Juncà, a forensic digital analyst and court expert, explains that these scams are rarely run by individuals working alone.
“These are structured companies,” he says, “with salaried employees, managers, and even HR departments.” Staff often work in large office spaces similar to legitimate call centers.
Some groups use automated systems that dial every possible phone number. If someone answers, the system marks that number as “active,” allowing human operators to follow up later.
Others purchase data from brokers or the dark web, allowing them to tailor their approach using real personal information.
How They Know So Much About You
Data brokers collect massive amounts of personal information from everyday digital activity — loyalty cards, online shopping, social media, public records, and data breaches.
With just a name and address, scammers can build surprisingly accurate profiles. In some cases, they may even have access to ID numbers or partial bank details.
Cabrera says this allows criminals to pose convincingly as service providers, banks, or recruitment agencies, making victims more likely to trust them.
Some scam campaigns are not even aimed at stealing money at first. Their goal is data harvesting — collecting more personal details to sell later or use in more advanced fraud schemes.
The Real Goal: Your Bank Account
Ultimately, almost all scam calls have one objective: financial access.
Criminals attempt to build trust, then pressure victims into sharing card numbers, login credentials, or authorizing transfers over the phone.
Experts stress one simple rule:
Never share bank details over a phone call. Ever.
The Hidden Danger: Identity Theft
Even if you don’t lose money immediately, scammers can still cause serious harm with your personal data.
Pérez warns that criminals can use stolen identities to:
-
Register on gambling websites
-
Rent vehicles
-
Apply for financial services
-
Commit crimes in someone else’s name
Victims may later face fines, legal action, or tax issues and must prove they were not responsible.
What Should You Do?
If you receive a suspicious call:
-
Hang up immediately
-
Do not engage in conversation
-
Do not call the number back
-
Block and report it if possible
To protect yourself:
-
Never act under pressure
-
Verify offers by contacting companies directly
-
Avoid making decisions while distracted
-
Don’t share personal information with callers
In Spain, citizens can also register for the Robinson List, a free service that blocks legitimate companies from making marketing calls. If you’re registered and still receive offers, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Prevention Is the Only Real Defense
Cabrera emphasizes that once money is transferred, recovering it is extremely difficult.
“The priority is prevention,” she says. “Scammers cannot steal anything unless you authorize it.”
So the safest response is also the simplest:
Hang up. Ignore. Don’t panic.
About The Author
