Spain's migration offices start to stamp out appointment scam with new system

Extranjería offices in Spain are successfully combating appointment scams by introducing a new automated system for the residency process. Previously, scammers would exploit the traditional cita previa system by booking all available slots with bots and then selling the scarce appointments for high prices. However, by sending applicants a predetermined time and date for the fingerprints step of the residency application, these criminal gangs are now unable to monopolize the appointments.

Several immigration offices in Cantabria, Tarragona, Castellón, and Alicante have implemented this automated system, which appears to be effective in preventing scams. This development has brought relief to foreign residents, as lawyer Arianne Cobo from the Cantabria Bar Association noted that the appointments are now more readily available.

While the new system effectively addresses the fingerprints appointment issue, foreign nationals will still need to secure appointments for other administrative tasks, such as renewing TIE cards or obtaining a Padrón certificate. Consequently, despite this positive development, many foreigners may continue to face difficulties in scheduling appointments and might still resort to paying for them.