Scammers will use anything to make a quick buck, including fear and worry about severe weather. With recent storms and floods affecting many areas, cybercriminals are now sending fake weather alerts to trick people into giving away their personal information or money. They take advantage of people’s concerns about extreme weather events to make their scams seem urgent and believable.

A New SMS Scam Is Circulating in Spain

The Guardia Civil has warned about a new scam that is spreading through text messages. Cybercriminals are sending fake weather alerts that appear to come from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). These messages contain a fraudulent link designed to steal personal data, install malware, or even make unauthorized charges on victims’ accounts.

This scam, known as ‘smishing’ (SMS phishing), involves criminals posing as legitimate organizations to gain victims’ trust. Because the messages appear to come from an official source, many people assume they are real and follow the instructions, unknowingly exposing their sensitive information.

⚠️#AVISO‼️ ¿Has recibido un #SMS como el de la imagen?

🛑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

— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) March 4, 2025

How the Scam Works

Scammers send an SMS that looks like an official AEMET warning about severe weather, such as heavy rain or storms. The message includes a link that directs users to a fake website that mimics the official AEMET page.

Once on the fake site, victims may encounter several dangers:

• Personal data theft: The site may ask users to enter personal details such as their name, address, ID number, or even banking information.
• Malware installation: Clicking the link could trigger a download of harmful software that can spy on your device, steal passwords, or give scammers remote access to your phone.
• Unauthorized payments: Some fake websites automatically subscribe victims to expensive services without their consent, leading to unexpected charges on their phone bills or bank accounts.

Example of the Fraudulent Message

One of the fake messages reads:
‘A severe storm is expected in your area. Stay safe and be prepared. Download the APP (fraudulent link).‘
This message is designed to trick users into clicking the link and downloading a harmful application.

Other variations of the scam may warn of floods, hailstorms, or other dangerous weather conditions to increase the urgency and pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to this scam, follow these steps:

• Do not click on suspicious links. If you receive a message like this, delete it immediately. Never download an app or enter personal details from a link sent via SMS.
• Check official sources. If you need weather updates, visit the official AEMET website, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), or Civil Protection. These organizations post reliable information directly on their websites and social media.
• Never enter personal details on unverified websites. If a website is asking for sensitive information, verify its authenticity before proceeding.
• Block and report the sender. If you receive a fraudulent message, block the number and report it to your phone provider or authorities to prevent further scam attempts.
• Enable SMS filtering. Many smartphones allow you to filter messages from unknown senders, reducing the likelihood of receiving scam texts.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Authorities are urging people to remain cautious and share this warning with friends and family, especially those who may be less familiar with online scams. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive people, so staying informed is the best defense. Always verify information through trusted sources, and never trust unsolicited messages asking you to click on a link. If in doubt, visit official websites directly for the latest weather updates.

By being alert and cautious, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to these scams.

Image: Shutterstock/Cherdchai101