A growing number of bank customers in Spain have reported realistic scam text messages claiming to be from their bank. Always double-check messages before clicking on any links.
Credit : panuwat phimpha
It’s not just Spam : How fake bank texts are fooling everyone in Spain
Most of us barely glance at bank alerts popping up on our phones. But what if one day you get a text from your bank—right in the same thread as all the real ones and it says you’ll lose access to your account unless you click a link? You might panic, especially if the message looks identical to the others you’ve received from BBVA or any other bank. That’s exactly what’s happening now, and, no exaggeration, it’s catching out thousands across Spain.
Gone are the days of obvious scams littered with spelling mistakes and strange senders. Cybercriminals have stepped up their game. These days, their texts can sneak right into your official message chain, so at first glance, it’s almost impossible to tell them apart from the real deal. The message is urgent: “From 14/06, you won’t be able to use your account until you update to our new security system: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilgFBVV95cUxOb0lrVjFSUVRkdnBWOUpqRlpFUjdrQWFUdXJGM1hEQzFIcFlfQW9RS01CektNTmhDcTZKN2RhQ2lZNlRuNzBxd2lkOE8teXp5NU1uWUVJcjhtZFYwTzlKVmxLdGQ2TTBqaHpaeUFrSF9SNnNKN1lzanh0OU9LUU1KMmpEMnR6cDM1QU1IaWE4VG9Xdk1Lbnc?oc=5.” You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s genuine, many already have.
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Can you really tell the difference? Spotting the signs of a banking scam
So, how do you know if you’ve been targeted? Even the savviest among us can get caught out, but there are a few red flags to watch for. The scammers sometimes slip up—a missing accent mark here, an odd phrase there. (“Podra” instead of “podrá,” for example.) If anything about the wording feels off or just doesn’t sound like your bank, take it as a warning sign.
But honestly, even if the message looks perfect, you’re not out of the woods. The sneakiest part is that these texts show up in the same thread as your actual bank alerts, so you can’t trust the sender at a glance anymore. That’s why BBVA—and plenty of other banks—are urging everyone to mark suspicious messages as spam and delete them immediately. And never, ever click the link. Just tapping it could infect your phone or computer with malware, letting thieves help themselves to your bank info before you know what’s happened.
What should you do if you get one? Stay safe with these quick tips
If you see a weird message from your bank, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Don’t click any links, even if you’re curious.
- Don’t reply to the message, even to say it’s a scam.
- Check with your bank—but do it using a number or website you trust, not the one in the text.
- Look for tiny mistakes or strange language that your bank would never use.
- Mark the message as spam and delete it as soon as you can.
Banks like BBVA say it’s better to be over-cautious than to fall for a scam. If you’re ever unsure, take a breath and double-check through another channel, your peace of mind (and your savings) are worth the extra minute.
Scammers are getting smarter : Don’t make it easy for them
Let’s face it—if you own a phone and a bank account, you’re a target. Scammers know exactly how to play on our fears and urgency. Don’t let them rush you into clicking a dodgy link. Next time you get a suspicious bank text, remember: it’s better to be safe and check than to end up dealing with a drained account and a lot of regret. Spread the word to friends and family—especially those who aren’t so tech-savvy. Stay sharp and keep your cash where it belongs!
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Tags: bank scams, Cybercrime in Spain