Six arrested in Oviedo SMS‑spoofing scam that cost victim €115,000

Spanish police in Asturias detained six individuals suspected of operating an SMS‑spoofing scheme that defrauded a resident of Oviedo of about €114,908. The criminals sent a fake bank alert via text, prompting the victim to call a number that appeared to belong to his bank. Posing as bank employees, they convinced him to transfer money and provide verification codes, enabling several transfers within an hour. Part of the money was withdrawn from ATMs and another portion used to purchase gold jewelry. The investigation, coordinated between the Asturias police and Madrid's Moratalaz district office, also identified six additional suspects linked to the handling of the stolen funds.

The case highlights the growing use of SMS spoofing to mimic legitimate bank communications and the importance of verifying contact details directly with financial institutions. Authorities advise the public to avoid responding to unsolicited bank messages or calls and to contact their bank through official channels for any security concerns.