Doorstep scam warning in Spain: fake officials asking for fingerprints

Expats in Spain are being warned about a convincing-looking doorstep scam in which callers claim to be government officials and ask residents for personal information, photographs or fingerprints.

The warning is based on a message that has circulated widely on social media and WhatsApp. It claims that people are going door to door pretending to work for Spain’s National Statistics Institute, known as the INE, and saying they need to check residents’ identification for an upcoming census.

According to the message, the supposed officials may carry laptops, biometric equipment, paperwork and identification badges to make the operation look genuine.

However, there is an important catch. Spanish fact-checking organisation Newtral previously investigated the same message and found no evidence of a recent police alert in Spain concerning this particular method. Similar versions of the warning have also circulated in other countries.

What should expats do if someone comes to the door?

Regardless of whether the story is circulating as a genuine warning or a hoax, the advice is straightforward.

• Do not hand over personal information to an unexpected visitor simply because they claim to be from the government.
• Never provide your passport, DNI, NIE, bank details or other sensitive information without first establishing who you are dealing with.
• You should also be extremely cautious if somebody unexpectedly asks to photograph you or take your fingerprints.
• An official-looking badge, paperwork or computer is not proof that someone is genuine.
• How to check if a visitor is genuine
• If someone claims to represent a Spanish government department, ask for their name, department and the reason for the visit.
• Do not rely on a telephone number they give you or allow them to pressure you into making a quick decision.

Instead, contact the organisation yourself using an official telephone number or website and check whether the visit is legitimate. If you believe someone is attempting to obtain your personal information fraudulently, contact the Policia Nacional or Guardia Civil.

For British and other foreign residents who are unfamiliar with Spanish government departments, the simplest rule is also the safest:

If an unexpected visitor wants your fingerprints, photograph or identity documents, close the door and check first.