Lorraine Williamson
Criminal networks increasingly use fake identities to target mobile users. Spain is fighting back with tighter rules and telecom coordination against telephone and online scams.
Spain has blocked more than 14 million scam calls since March 2025, in what authorities are calling one of the country’s largest efforts to combat digital fraud to date.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy rolled out this spring to disrupt how scammers operate—by cutting them off at the source. Telecom providers are now tasked with intercepting an average of 235,600 suspicious calls and 10,000 fraudulent texts every single day.
Government sources say the vast majority of blocked calls fall under a category known as “spoofing.” In these cases, fraudsters impersonate trusted institutions, such as banks or government agencies, to deceive people into sharing personal information or making payments.
“In the first two months since this plan came into effect, operators have already blocked 14 million fraudulent calls. These figures demonstrate that the measures are working, enhancing citizen protection and providing tools to improve their security,”
— Óscar López, Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Service
Landline-only calling rules for companies from June
One of the most significant changes comes into effect on 7 June 2025, when companies making sales calls will face new restrictions. From this date, businesses will no longer be permitted to contact consumers from mobile numbers. Instead, only fixed landlines or recognised toll-free numbers (those beginning with 800 or 900) will be allowed.
Foreign numbers appearing as local Spanish numbers—another tactic used to gain trust—will be automatically blocked, unless the call is legitimately made from someone using international roaming.
These changes aim to make it easier for consumers to identify when a call is likely to be commercial—and when it may be criminal.
Consent remains the legal cornerstone of telemarketing
Unsolicited sales calls have long irritated mobile users in Spain, and the law already states that such calls can only be made with prior consent. But enforcement has been difficult. Now, with the backing of telecom firms and legal mechanisms, companies breaching these regulations face significant fines.
Consumers who wish to avoid any marketing calls entirely are encouraged to join the Lista Robinson, Spain’s national opt-out register.
Fake SMS messages also under review
Telecom watchdog CNMC is now working to address the growing number of scam text messages. These often claim to come from couriers or banks and direct recipients to realistic but fraudulent websites.
To combat this, CNMC is developing a new database of verified SMS senders. Only organisations officially registered will be allowed to send branded messages, making it easier for mobile users to know whether a message is genuine.
Romance scams highlight wider emotional toll
While technical fraud is being tackled, the Spanish government has also begun looking more closely at the emotional damage caused by online manipulation. In particular, so-called “romance scams” are on the rise.
At a recent parliamentary session, Minister Óscar López said that online relationships used to manipulate and financially exploit victims must be taken seriously. These scams typically involve criminals pretending to form a personal connection over social media or dating apps before asking for money.
Support groups like ANCEME are now calling for this form of emotional fraud to be included in the criminal code. They argue for a national reporting system that makes it easier for victims to come forward.
National coordination shows early signs of success
While the challenges are ongoing, the scale of blocked activity suggests Spain’s crackdown is having an impact. By combining stricter telecom controls with legal reform and victim support, authorities hope to set a new standard in fraud prevention across Europe.