In recent years, phone scams have increased significantly, affecting people of all ages and
backgrounds. Criminals are using more and more sophisticated strategies to deceive their
victims, pretending to be bank entities, service providers or even family members in distress.
To tackle this issue, the Spanish National Police recommend applying the LAP method. It is
a simple strategy designed to identify and manage suspicious calls. This method has three
main principles:
- Location (L)
Analyze the number that is calling you. If you notice it has a strange or unknown prefix and
you are not expecting a call from abroad, do not answer. Most phone scams come from
foreign numbers with fradulent intentions. - Author (A)
If you decide to answer the call, it is crucial to identify on the other end. To do this, we can
make some exclusive questions that only a trustworthy person would know how to answer.
Never share personal information if you are not completely sure who you are speaking with. - Purposal (P)
Next, evaluate the purpose of the call. If they ask for bank details, password, or inmmediate
payments, it is likely a scam. In these cases, the best option is to hang up and block the
suspicious number. Scammers usually try to create sense of urgency to stop you from
thinking clearly. Therefore, it is crucial to keep calm and not act impulsively.
Additional tips to avoid scams:
- Don’t call back unknown numbers: Some scammers try to make us call back so
they can charge abusive fees. - Be wary of overly attractive offers: If something sounds too good to be true, it
probably is a phone scam. - Verify the authenticity of the call: If someone claims to represent a company or
official entity, it is better to contact the organization directly through official channels. - Report scam attempts: Notifying authorities about suspicious calls helps prevent
others from falling into the trap. It’s also helpful to share information with family and
friends so they can be on their guard.
Follow these recommendations and apply the LAP method to unknown calls. This way, you can significantly
reduce your risk of becoming a victim of phone fraud. The best defense is being informed and cautious. When
in doubt, it’s best to cut off communication and seek advice from reliable sources. Safety begins with
prevention.
Community Policing Central Unit – Spanish National Police