ELS-0012Scams · Spain

UK & Spanish Phone Scams Every Expat Should Know About

Official sources checked
Written by Sue Berry
Practical guidance

If you live in Spain but still deal with UK banks, pensions, HMRC and family, scammers have twice as many opportunities to target you.

Here's how to recognise the most common scams before they catch you out.

The Quick Answer

Yes—expats are increasingly targeted by scammers pretending to be organisations from both the UK and Spain.

Because many expats have UK bank accounts, UK pensions and Spanish services, criminals know they may receive calls from both countries.

They often impersonate: HMRC UK banks Amazon Microsoft Visa or Mastercard Spanish banks Policía Nacional Guardia Civil Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency) Immigration offices Courier companies

The safest rule is simple: Never trust an unexpected phone call.

Hang up and contact the organisation yourself using a number you already know.

Why This Matters

Many scams now sound incredibly convincing.

Scammers can:

Spoof genuine telephone numbers

Know your name and address

Know you live in Spain

Mention your UK bank

Refer to genuine emails arriving while they are speaking

Pressure you into acting immediately

Expats are particularly vulnerable because they regularly deal with organisations in two countries.

Frequently asked questions

Can banks really phone me? Sometimes. But they will never ask for passwords, PINs or ask you to move money.

Can phone numbers be faked? Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed. Always assume the number could be fake.

Should I answer unknown Spanish numbers? If you're expecting medical appointments or deliveries, yes—but never give personal information until you've verified who is calling.

What if I've already given information? Contact your bank immediately. Change passwords. Report the incident.

Are older expats targeted? Unfortunately yes. Scammers deliberately target retirees because they may have pensions, savings and property.

Important — Read Before You Act

This article is for general information only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. If you believe you've been the victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the relevant authorities.

What To Do — Step by Step

Stay calm Scammers rely on panic. If someone says: Your bank account is at risk Your pension will stop Your residency has a problem HMRC is taking legal action You owe Spanish tax
Never give security information No genuine organisation will ask for: Online banking passwords PIN numbers Card readers Verification codes Full passwords
Hang up If you're unsure... Hang up. Wait a few minutes if using a landline or call from a mobile. Call the official number back yourself.
Check with family If someone pressures you to transfer money immediately, speak to a trusted family member first. Most scams fail once another person becomes involved.
Report the scam Reporting helps protect other expats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1 UK - HMRC "We're taking legal action." Immediate payment demanded.
2 UK - Bank Fraud "There has been suspicious activity on your account." They ask you to move your money to a "safe account." Banks never do this.
3 UK - Amazon "Your Prime subscription has renewed..." They want remote access to your computer.
4 UK - Microsoft "We've detected a virus." They ask you to install software.
5 UK - Pension Review Someone claims they can improve your UK pension. Always verify independently.
6 UK - Job Offers Unexpected calls offering remote work or high earnings. Often lead to identity theft.
7 ES - Policía Nacional / Guardia Civil Claims you have legal problems or unpaid fines. Police do not demand immediate payment over the phone.
8 ES - Agencia Tributaria Fake tax refunds. Or demands for immediate payment.
9 ES - Spanish Bank Fraud alerts asking you to transfer money. Exactly the same trick used in the UK.
10 ES - Immigration or Residency Claims your NIE or TIE has expired. Pressure to pay fees immediately.
11 ES - Courier Delivery Small unpaid customs or delivery fees. Links lead to fake payment pages.
12 ES - Utility Companies Claims your electricity or water will be disconnected today unless you pay immediately.

Your Action Checklist

HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they want immediate payment from you in any form
HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they ask you to keep it secret
HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they tell you not to contact your bank
HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they ask you to install software
HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they request verification codes
HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they threaten that you will be arrested
HANG UP PHONE IMMEDIATELY: If they pressure you not to hang up
AVOID: Trusting caller ID
AVOID: Thinking a UK number means it's genuine
AVOID: Believing urgency
AVOID: If you hear clicking links sent during the call
AVOID: Giving one-time security codes
NEVER: Transfer money to a "safe account"
1. Save your bank's genuine phone number
2. Save the HMRC contact details
3. Save your Spanish bank's fraud number
4. Tell family never to transfer money during a phone call
5. Keep emergency contacts updated
6. Record important organisations inside My Legacy Sorted

In Summary

Living abroad means you may receive genuine calls from organisations in both Spain and the UK—but it also means scammers have more opportunities to pretend to be those organisations.

When in doubt:

Hang up.

Call back using an official number.

Taking five extra minutes could save thousands of pounds or euros.

Living abroad means you may receive genuine calls from organisations in both Spain and the UK—but it also means scammers have more opportunities to pretend to be those organisations.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

One of the hardest things about living abroad is that we're often dealing with organisations in two different countries.

Scammers know that.

Don't ever feel embarrassed about hanging up and checking first. I'd much rather you spend five minutes verifying a call than spend months trying to recover your money.