In the last days, Facebook has been caught up in a new wave of attempts to identity impersonation Targeting Spanish users, scammers use the prestige of Cáritas Española to deceive the population and gather private information. This strategy, which exploits trust in one of the country's most recognized charities, has raised alarm among citizens and security experts.
Caritas has publicly warned that are being spread fake ads on Facebook that offer supposed financial aid in exchange for citizens providing personal data through fraudulent websites. The institution emphasizes that These messages have no relation to their campaigns or official procedures, and insists that its only legitimate channel for managing aid and donations are the verified websites and phone numbers of its branches.
This is how the scam works: false aid and data collection
The dynamics of this fraud are based on promoted ads on Facebook, where cybercriminals advertise supposed aid of up to 300 euros only for Spanish citizensUpon clicking, the user is redirected to a website that mimics Caritas and requests information such as first name, last name, phone number, ID images, and even a personal video. It's all a setup to steal the victim's identity., and they could even open bank accounts in your name or commit other crimes related to data theft.
In addition, to maximize their reach, scammers encourage victims to share the link with their own contacts, under the pretext that this will speed up the processing of the "aid" or validate their request. This technique turns the affected people into unwitting propagators of the deception, boosting the scam's virality through WhatsApp and other networks.
Caritas emphasizes in its statements that never requests personal information through these means, and even less so through links or forms distributed in unverified online campaigns. All management related to financial aid or social procedures must be carried out through official channels and in direct contact with the organization.
Caritas' reaction and steps to protect yourself
Given the rise of these frauds, Caritas has filed a complaint before the National Police and has demanded that Facebook remove the fraudulent ads. They do not rule out take legal action against those responsible and maintain close collaboration with the State Security Forces and Corps to try to identify and arrest those behind the impersonation.
The organization insists that No one should share or forward These messages, whether through social media, WhatsApp, Telegram, or other channels. If in doubt about a request for help or donation, citizens should always turn to the official pages from Caritas, their verified profiles on social networks or the organization's telephone helplines.
- Always check the web address before providing personal information. Only act if the URL belongs to an official organization.
- Do not click on links or fill out forms. that come to you through suspicious messages or online ads.
- Check that the sender be an official channel of the organization.
- Be wary of messages that promise easy money or that convey urgency to act.
What to do if you've already fallen into the trap
If personal information has been shared after accessing these fraudulent links, It is key to act quickly. Collect all possible evidence (screenshots, URLs, received messages) and file a complaint with the National Police and Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)If you have provided bank details, contact your financial institution immediately to prevent possible fraudulent transactions and, if necessary, request that your cards be blocked or canceled.
In addition, it is recommended to perform egosurfing to check if your data has been misused online. It's essential not to be embarrassed and to seek professional or legal help whenever necessary.
The impact of impersonation and Caritas' commitment
These impersonation attempts not only affect individual users, but damage the reputation of charitable organizations and hinder the work of providing real aid to the most vulnerable groups. According to Caritas, all its activities and aids are processed through their own channels, and never through advertising campaigns on Facebook, WhatsApp or other networks.
The organization reminds us of the importance of the trust and transparent work After more than seven decades of history, they call on citizens to report any suspicious content, help stop the spread of these frauds, and always seek information through official channels.
The proliferation of fraudulent campaigns on social media, such as the recent Facebook impersonation of Caritas, highlights the risks of sharing personal information without verifying the authenticity of messages. Collaboration between users, digital platforms, and authorities remains essential to combat this type of crime and protect both citizens and the institutions that fight for those most in need.
