Spanish Authorities Warn of Scam Calls Using Moroccan Country Code 212

This telephone code of Morocco is generally followed by the geographical location number which varies depending on each region. Thus, (+212) 520 allows you to reach Casablanca, (+212) 5243, Marrakech, (+212) 5246, Youssoufia and Safi, (+212) 525, Laâyoune, Agadir, Ouarzazate, Dakhla and Essaouira, etc.

All these numbers start with the digit 5, which indicates that they correspond to local lines. But it should be borne in mind that calls or messages received from numbers starting with the 212 code may be intended for fraudulent purposes, warned the Civil Guard, urging not to answer these calls or SMS, unless you have a friend, acquaintance or relative living in Morocco.

This form of fraud is increasingly used by organized groups who make several calls to get the recipient to call them back. This is what is called the "missed call scam". The Spanish authorities have advised the population to ignore missed calls from codes like 355 (Albania), 225 (Ivory Coast), 233 (Ghana) and 234 (Nigeria).

The best thing to do is to ignore the call or message (SMS or on WhatsApp) and block the number to avoid falling into the trap of the scammers.