New +400 Prefix Phone Scam Hits Spain: Fake Iberdrola Call 2026

A new phone scam using the +400 prefix has been reported in Spain after a resident of Puente Genil, Córdoba, filed a complaint with the local police. The victim said fraudsters posing as Iberdrola employees tricked him into handing over his bank details.

The case is one of the first documented vishing attempts exploiting the +400 prefix, which was introduced by Spain's Ministry for Digital Transformation to identify commercial calls. But criminals have quickly turned the tool into a trap.

What Is the +400 Prefix and Why Was It Created?

The +400 prefix was designed as a transparency measure. All companies making commercial calls in Spain are required to use numbers starting with +400, so recipients know the call is from a business trying to sell a product or service.

The idea is simple: when you see +400 on your screen, you should immediately understand it's a sales call, not a personal or emergency call. However, the system relies on trust—and that trust is exactly what scammers are exploiting.

How the Puente Genil Scam Unfolded

According to the Puente Genil Local Police, the victim received a call from a number beginning with +400. The caller claimed to be an Iberdrola employee and, through deception, obtained the resident's banking information.

This type of fraud is known as vishing—voice phishing—where criminals impersonate legitimate organisations over the phone to extract sensitive data. The +400 prefix made the call appear more official, lowering the victim's guard.

Why the +400 Prefix Is a Double-Edged Sword

The prefix was meant to protect consumers by clearly labelling commercial calls. But scammers have weaponised it, because a number that looks "official" can make people less suspicious.

In this case, the fraudster did not just rely on the prefix; they also name-dropped a well-known energy company, Iberdrola. This combination of a seemingly legitimate prefix and a trusted brand name is what made the scam convincing.

Key Takeaways for Consumers

• Never share bank details over the phone unless you initiated the call and verified the number independently.
• Be sceptical of +400 numbers—they indicate a commercial call, but scammers can spoof or misuse them.
• Hang up and call back using the official number listed on the company's website if you have any doubt.
• Report suspicious calls to the police and to the company being impersonated.
• Check your bank statements regularly for unauthorised transactions.

How Does Vishing Compare to Other Phone Scams?

Vishing stands out because it involves direct human interaction, which can be more persuasive than a generic email. The +400 prefix adds a veneer of legitimacy that makes vishing even more dangerous. Anyone following the wider picture can start with New +400 Prefix Phone Scam Hits Spain: Fake Iberdrola Call.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious +400 Call

If you get a call from a +400 number and the caller asks for personal or financial information, hang up immediately. Legitimate companies rarely ask for full bank details over the phone. The background to this story is set out in Technology: latest articles. A related thread runs through Jason Molina: The Life and Legacy of a Master of Americana.

If you think you've been targeted, contact your bank to block any compromised accounts and report the incident to the police. The Puente Genil case shows that even a system designed to protect consumers can be turned against them. Earlier coverage in Indian Court Orders Release of Two Cockroach Movement Leaders shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Seth Meyers Says 'Nobody Likes' Elon Musk in Late-Night Roast.

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