> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# False Scam Alerts Spread in Santa Coloma
- URL: https://barna.news/false-scam-alerts-spread-in-santa-coloma/
- Published: 2026-10-11T18:34:07.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-11T19:00:08.000Z
- Description: Residents warned after fake WhatsApp messages claiming INE impersonation circulate in Santa Coloma de Gramenet.
- Author: Barna.News
- Tags: crime

## Residents urged to verify before sharing

Residents of Santa Coloma de Gramenet have been warned not to share unverified messages after a wave of false alerts about a non-existent scam began circulating on WhatsApp over the past few days. The messages claim that fraudsters are posing as workers from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), asking residents for personal data, photographs and fingerprints. However, local police have confirmed that these warnings are entirely false and no such scam is taking place.

## Danger of spreading misinformation

The Santa Coloma Local Police have stressed that while phone and email scams are a real and ongoing threat, spreading unverified alerts creates unnecessary alarm and could desensitise the public to future genuine warnings.

> It is essential to check information through official channels before forwarding any message

They warn that misinformation of this kind may make people less cautious if a similar real scam emerges, increasing vulnerability.

---

## How to stay safe

Residents are advised to never share personal information with unsolicited callers or visitors claiming to represent official bodies. To verify the authenticity of any alert, contact the Local Police directly or consult the [official municipal portal on fraud prevention](https://ajuntamentinforma.gramenet.cat/es/info-local/alerta-ante-las-estafas-telefonicas-y-online/?ref=barna.news). The Local Police also operate public information points across the municipality to support community safety and encourage residents to report suspicious activity immediately.

---

*Reported by elcaso.elnacional.cat, gramenet.cat, cronicanegra.com, ajuntamentinforma.gramenet.cat, CatalunyaPress.es, El Caso (El Nacional).*

---

### Related on Barna.News

- [Santa Coloma to Build Public Housing on Monturiol Axis](https://barna.news/santa-coloma-to-build-public-housing-on/)
- [Man Arrested Over Spate of Shop Robberies Near Sagarra Market](https://barna.news/man-arrested-over-spate-of-shop/)