The National Police have issued a series of tips to minimise scams, following the theft of more than €20,000 in Ibiza over the past two weeks via online or telephone scams. According to the Balearic Islands Police Headquarters, the Citizen Participation Unit has detected a significant increase in the amounts defrauded from various victims through different ‘modus operandi’.
The crimes share social engineering techniques which, via online channels, telephone calls or a combination of both, enable the perpetrators to impersonate bank account holders. On other occasions, the fraudsters pose as employees of the victims’ bank or their businesses to persuade account holders to authorise transfers.
In any case, and given the variety of methods observed, the Citizen Participation Unit has drawn up and updated a set of tips to help avoid scams of this nature. Thus, to prevent card details and other information from falling into the hands of criminals, public (open) Wi-Fi networks should be avoided at all costs when visiting or using apps and websites where personal data could be compromised.
Furthermore, when making online purchases, you should verify the website via its URL and are advised to shop in secure environments and on pages with security certificates. Payment should always be made via secure payment gateways, prioritising virtual cards, prepaid cards or systems with two-factor authentication.
You should never disclose personal codes, PINs or passwords via SMS links, email or telephone calls, amongst other channels. If there is a security risk to your assets or savings, it is preferable to verify this through alternative channels. The police advise being wary of calls in which the caller tries to create a sense of urgency and to avoid so-called ‘bargains’ and investment products. Furthermore, you should never provide personal details or confirm any investment during that first call.
It is also advisable to agree on a ‘secret family code word’ with close relatives, so that if you receive a call or text message from a family member asking for money because they are in an emergency situation, you can be sure it is not a scam. Through the ‘advice and preventive measures’ section of the National Police’s Citizen Participation website, the public has access to specific advice and guides on these matters.