Take a second before you click
09/07/2026
Before confirming any banking transaction online, take time to stop and think. It’s the best way to protect yourself from scams.
Many of us bank on our phone nowadays, using an app or online because it's convenient and, above all, fast. But that speed can also make us more vulnerable to mistakes and fraud.
Most scams don't rely on technical failures. They work because people make rushed decisions. So, remember the golden rule: before you act, think twice... or even three times.
Watch out for messages that try to rush you. Scammers often rely on urgency and pressure to make you act before you’ve had time to think:
- “Your account will be frozen”
- “Check your details at once”
- “Urgent transfer”
The Banco de España warns that fraudsters often try to create a sense of urgency or fear to push people into making decisions without checking the facts. That’s why you should never log in to your bank account using links sent by text message or email.
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to always go directly to your bank’s official app or website.
To avoid fraud, pause a moment before clicking on any banking transaction (transfers, payments or logging in to online banking) and ask yourself:
- Am I on the bank’s official website?
- Did I get here using a link or did I open the app or website myself?
- Am I entering access codes in a safe environment?
- Do I really know who I’m sending money to?
Double checking can also help keep you safe. Before confirming a transaction, stop and ask yourself:
- Am I being rushed?
- Does anything feel out of place?
- Is there another way of checking this?
If you’re unsure, don't complete the transaction. Contact your bank directly using the official channels.
