Colombian citizens are experiencing a sharp increase in spam and fraudulent phone calls from unknown numbers this year [1].
This surge in activity represents a growing security threat as criminal groups use sophisticated spoofing techniques to steal personal data and money. By impersonating banks and other official institutions, fraudsters can deceive victims into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds [4, 5].
Data indicates that spam calls grew by more than 21% in Colombia during the first half of 2026 [5]. This trend has left millions of users receiving unwanted calls on a daily basis [2]. The frequency of these "ghost calls" has prompted cybersecurity experts to issue urgent warnings to the public regarding their mobile phone usage [1, 2].
Experts said that the safest course of action is to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Engaging with these callers, even to tell them to stop, can signal to scammers that a phone line is active and monitored, which may lead to an increase in future targeting [4].
To mitigate the risk, users are encouraged to block unknown numbers immediately. Many modern smartphones include built-in tools to filter spam, while third-party applications can provide additional layers of protection against spoofed identities [2, 3].
Criminals often use these calls to create a sense of urgency, pretending there is a problem with a bank account or a legal issue that requires immediate attention [5]. Because the numbers appear legitimate on the caller ID, many citizens are caught off guard by the deception [5].
“Spam calls grew by more than 21% in Colombia during the first half of 2026”
The rise in spoofing attacks in Colombia highlights a shift toward automated, high-volume fraud. As scammers move away from simple phishing emails toward direct voice interaction, the psychological pressure of a real-time phone call makes citizens more vulnerable to social engineering. This trend suggests that traditional caller ID systems are no longer reliable indicators of identity.
