The Diocese of Ávila has issued an urgent warning after detecting a wave of fraudulent calls. Scammers are posing as church officials, pressuring victims for immediate donations and sensitive information. The same phone number has been linked to similar schemes in other dioceses.
Several residents and institutions in Ávila have recently received phone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Diocese, urging them to make urgent donations or bank transfers. The Diocese of Ávila has now issued a public alert, emphasizing that it never requests money or personal information by phone, email, or social media.
According to the Diocese, the scam begins with a caller introducing themselves as a staff member or representative. The caller then insists on the need for immediate financial help, often citing an emergency to discourage the recipient from verifying the request. This tactic is designed to create pressure and prevent careful scrutiny.
How the Scam Operates
Unlike many phone scams, these calls are not made from hidden numbers. The visible phone line used by the fraudsters has already been reported for similar attempts against other dioceses in Spain. However, the fact that a number appears on the screen does not guarantee its legitimacy or that the caller is genuinely affiliated with the Diocese of Ávila.
This method fits the pattern of so-called 'vishing'—a type of telephone fraud where criminals impersonate trusted organizations to extract confidential information or prompt victims to make financial transactions. The scammers often possess some knowledge of church personnel or local details, making their requests seem more credible.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call
The Diocese urges anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and not to share any personal, banking, or card information—even if the caller appears to know specific names or details. After ending the call, individuals should contact the Diocese directly using its official phone number, 920 353 900, rather than any contact details provided during the suspicious conversation.
If a transfer has already been made or sensitive data has been disclosed, it is crucial to notify your bank as soon as possible to attempt to block the transaction. Victims are also advised to keep records of calls, messages, and receipts, and to file a report with law enforcement. The Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) offers free advice via its 017 helpline.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Risks
This is not the first time the Diocese of Ávila has faced impersonation attempts. In April 2026, several local councils in the province received calls from someone pretending to be Bishop Jesús Rico or a priest associated with the Diocese. The caller claimed the Diocese had received a large donation to be distributed among public institutions, using this pretext to gather information that could be exploited in future scams. Quick action by some recipients helped expose the fraud and alert the wider community.
As phone-based scams continue to evolve, the Diocese of Ávila stresses the importance of vigilance and direct verification. Anyone approached for donations or personal data should always confirm requests through official channels before taking any action.
