Spanish police issue warning of new SMS scam using fake weather alerts
Fraudulent messages are being sent which trick users into downloading an app that steals their personal data
A new scam involving fraudulent SMS messages has emerged that tries to trick recipients into clicking on a dangerous link. This scam, which began circulating recently especially in Andalucía, falsely claims to provide weather alerts about heavy rainfall, but the link within the message leads to a phishing site designed to steal personal information.In a post on its official X (Twitter) profile, the Guardia Civil explained that the scam involves an SMS with a fraudulent link that directs users to an application mimicking the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
⚠️#AVISO‼️ ¿Has recibido un #SMS como el de la imagen?
— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) March 4, 2025
🛑No cliques🛑
ℹ️ Con motivo de los avisos meteorológicos por lluvias se ha detectado una nueva estafa por #sms donde te envían un enlace fraudulento que te enlaza a una aplicación simulando a la Aemet pidiendo tus datos.… pic.twitter.com/TtjCd26tSw
The message reads: "A severe storm is forecast for your region. Be prepared and stay safe. Download the app (and a fraudulent link)." Once the recipient clicks the link, they are asked to provide personal details, such as credit card numbers or login credentials.
Authorities have strongly advised people to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on links from unknown or unexpected sources. They also recommend deleting any suspicious messages immediately. In this case, the Guardia Civil are encouraging people to consult official sources such as the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), Aemet or Protección Civil, as they provide real-time updates on their social media accounts and, importantly, never ask for users to click on any link.
Experts warn that scams like this are becoming more common, with fraudsters increasingly relying on fake weather alerts or other urgent messages to manipulate people into acting without thinking. It’s important to always verify the authenticity of any weather warnings or messages before clicking on links, especially when they seem to come out of the blue.
In these cases, the best course of action is to contact local authorities or check reliable weather sources, such as official government websites or trusted news outlets, for accurate information. By staying cautious, the public can help protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.
Image: Guardia Civil
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