Spain is stepping up its fight against phone and SMS fraud with new rules came which into effect from June 7. In this post, Stefano Nicoletti, Head of MEF’s Sender ID Registry outlines how the latest measures fit into a growing European effort to curb identity theft and digital scams.
Spain is intensifying its fight against phone and SMS fraud with a set of new regulations. Since the launch of its national Anti-Scam Plan in March, over 14 million fraudulent calls have been blocked. Now, with new rules effective from June 7, the government aims to further protect citizens from identity theft and cybercrime.
Millions of Fraudulent Calls Blocked
The Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, led by Minister Óscar López, reports that telecom operators are blocking an average of 235,600 suspicious calls and 10,000 fraudulent SMS messages daily. These efforts focus on unassigned or spoofed numbers often used to impersonate trusted institutions like banks or government agencies.
Minister López described the scale of the problem as “exponential,” emphasizing that early results show the plan is working. The government has also designated scam prevention as a strategic priority, signalling that enforcement will be closely monitored.
Phone scams in Spain have caused not only financial harm but also emotional distress. Notably, one in three calls to the National Cybersecurity Institute’s helpline (017) relates to fraud.
A Broader European Trend
Spain’s measures are part of a growing European effort to combat phone and SMS fraud, particularly caller ID spoofing—a tactic where scammers disguise their identity using fake or misleading numbers.
- United Kingdom: In January 2025, Ofcom mandated telecom providers to block international calls that falsely display UK landline numbers. Further action targeting spoofed mobile numbers is expected later this year.
- Italy: In May 2025, AGCOM, Italy’s telecom regulator, approved new anti-spoofing rules. These include blocking international calls that mimic Italian landline numbers, followed by a second phase targeting spoofed mobile numbers with real-time verification.
Spain’s approach aligns with these efforts, reinforcing a European stance against digital fraud.
Spain’s New Rules Effective From June 7: What’s Changing
Two major regulatory changes will come into force:
1. Ban on Commercial Calls from Mobile Numbers
Under a ministerial order issued in February, businesses will no longer be allowed to make commercial calls from national mobile numbers. This aims to prevent scammers from using mobile numbers to appear legitimate and deceive users.
2. Blocking of International Calls Masquerading as Spanish Numbers
Operators must block international calls and SMS that spoof Spanish numbers—except for verified roaming users. This targets a common tactic in identity theft scams.
To ensure legitimate commercial communications can continue, the government has authorized the use of 800 and 900 toll-free numbers for outbound calls. Previously, these numbers could only receive calls. Now, businesses must use:
- Geographic numbers
- Designated commercial numbers
- Toll-free 800 or 900 numbers
This change is intended to help users more easily recognize and trust legitimate calls, especially if the numbers are saved in their contacts.
Telecom operators are expected to assist businesses in transitioning away from mobile numbers, helping them adopt the approved formats. This is part of a broader effort to standardize and clarify commercial communications.
