The company has clarified that it does not usually make these types of calls to communicate SIM blocks and recommends always checking that the contact comes from its official channels, such as 1004 or 1002.
Movistar warns of a phone call that could be a scam
Phone scams continue to use a formula as simple as it is effective: generate urgency, instill fear, and push the user to act without thinking. In this case, the alert comes via a call in which the victim is informed of a supposed problem with their mobile line and warned that their SIM card could be blocked.
The notice has been responded to by Movistar through X, after a user explained that they were receiving calls telling them that their SIM was going to be blocked and that they should dial "1" to contact an operator.
The operator has asked for prudence and has pointed out that this behavior fits a possible scam attempt. "We don't usually make calls of that type to tell you we're going to block your SIM," Movistar indicated in its public response, in which it also recommends verifying that the call comes from 1004 or 1002.
The call of the false SIM block
The scam mechanism is recognizable: an apparently urgent phone call, a threat of service blockage, and an immediate instruction for the user to press a key or speak to a supposed operator.
In this type of fraud, the goal is usually for the victim to enter into a conversation controlled by the scammer. From there, they may try to obtain personal data, passwords, verification codes, line information, or even induce payments under the excuse of resolving a non-existent incident.
The key is that the call does not necessarily originate from Movistar, even if the user may assume it if they are a customer of the company. Many fraudulent campaigns rely precisely on that ambiguity: they do not always clearly state the name of the operator, but they launch a message generic enough for the victim to associate the notice with their real company.
What Movistar recommends if you receive a suspicious call
Movistar recommends distrusting calls in which sudden SIM lockouts, urgent line problems, or actions that force the customer to act at that very moment are announced.
The company reminds that its official customer service numbers are 1004 and 1002. Therefore, if the call comes from another number or if the message raises doubts, the most prudent thing to do is not to provide any data, hang up, and contact the operator directly through the official channels.
It is also advisable to avoid pressing keys during automated calls if it is not clear who is behind them. Dialing "1", "2", or any other option can be used to divert the call to a fake operator or confirm that the number is active.
How to detect a phone scam
There are several signs that should set off all alarms. The first is urgency: if the call poses an immediate threat - SIM blocking, line disconnection, unexpected tariff increase, or serious incident - and demands action within seconds, you should be suspicious.
The second is the request for sensitive information. No procedure should force the user to provide passwords, codes received by SMS, bank details, or personal keys during an unexpected call.
The third is the origin of the call. Although cybercriminals can use techniques to fake numbers, receiving a call from an unknown number that presents itself as an operator should always lead to verification through another channel.
What to do if you have already answered
If only the call has been answered, but no data has been given nor has any instruction been followed, it is advisable to block the number and not return the call.
If personal data, keys, or verification codes have been provided, it is advisable to contact the operator as soon as possible, check the line, change passwords, and verify if any portability attempt, undue access, or contract change has occurred.
In case of charges, impersonation or financial loss, the appropriate action is to gather all available information - phone number, call time, screenshots, messages and bank statements - and file a report.
Fraudulent calls, a growing problem
Fraudulent calls have become one of the most common ways to try to deceive users. The fraud relies on well-known brands, essential services, and urgent messages: telephony, banks, energy, parcel services, or public administrations.
In the case of operators, the threat of SIM blocking is especially delicate because the mobile card is linked to calls, SMS, online banking, two-step authentication, and account recovery. That's why scammers try to generate fear: if the victim believes they might lose their line, it's easier for them to act quickly and let their guard down.
The main recommendation is simple: if a phone call threatens to block your SIM, asks for data, or forces you to press a key to resolve an urgent incident, hang up. Afterwards, contact your company directly through their official channels.