Guardia Civil issues guidance to prevent telephone extortion

The Anti-Extortion Unit of the Guardia Civil, through the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP), has released recommendations to help citizens identify and respond to telephone extortion attempts. Authorities warn that criminals frequently use psychological tactics to create a sense of urgency, employing phrases such as “deposit now,” “do not hang up,” or “you have five minutes” to prevent victims from verifying the claims.

To combat these threats, the Guardia Civil advises individuals not to succumb to pressure if a caller claims a family member is in danger or alleges an outstanding debt. Citizens are instructed to hang up immediately, avoid providing personal information or transferring money, and verify the situation through known official channels or trusted contacts. The unit emphasizes that any attempt to prevent a person from consulting others should be treated as a red flag. Victims are encouraged to report incidents by calling 089 for guidance and to report the offending numbers.