Spanish authorities debunk viral disinformation messages

Spanish law enforcement agencies are warning the public against several viral disinformation campaigns circulating on social media and messaging apps.

One hoax involves claims that scammers are posing as employees of the National Institute of Statistics (INE) to solicit personal information at people's homes. These messages often feature fake Ministry of Interior credentials. Investigations show this specific hoax has been circulating for months across various countries, including Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica.

Separately, the National Police have issued alerts regarding a WhatsApp audio message claiming to contain internal police information about imminent civil unrest in Madrid. The audio falsely alleges that groups from Barcelona and France will arrive in the capital to cause destruction and violence. Authorities have labeled this a hoax and urged citizens to rely only on official sources to prevent the spread of panic.