Movistar's New Commercial Number: 400 00 1004

There are numbers that one recognises almost instinctively, and Movistar's 1004 is one of them. Entire generations have saved it to complain about a bill, activate a line, or ask, for the umpteenth time, why the router is blinking orange. That's why it's amusing that Movistar's new commercial number is precisely 400 00 1004. If it has appeared on your mobile screen, it's not a joke or a coincidence: it's the operator wanting to sell you something.

A Number with a Nod to 1004

The 400 00 1004 is the number Movistar uses for its commercial calls in Spain. The ending is not chosen at random. Telefónica wants the number to sound familiar so that users can quickly associate it with the brand, even though it is new. It's quite a clever move: if you see 1004 at the end, your brain clicks and thinks of Movistar even before you pick up the phone.

The practical advice is simple: save it in your contacts with a name like 'Movistar offers'. That way, the next time it rings, you'll know if you want to hear a proposal or prefer to leave it for another time. For example, forever.

What the 400 Prefix Means

The 400 is not a whim of Movistar. Spanish regulations require that commercial calls be identified with their own prefix, and 400 is reserved for this type of communication. The aim is for you to know from the very first second that the call is advertising.

This has an interesting consequence: a company that calls you to sell you something without using that prefix is breaking the rules. So, the 400, far from being a nuisance, acts as a sort of honesty label. They are going to sell you something, yes, but at least they warn you beforehand.

Why Movistar Calls

Calls from 400 00 1004 usually revolve around a few predictable topics:

• Fiber and mobile offers for those who are not yet customers.
• Portability proposals from another company, with some temporary discount as bait.
• Television packages, with football, series, and the rest of the Movistar Plus+ catalogue as the main draw.
• Tariff upgrades for current customers: more speed, more lines, more gigabytes, or additional services.
• Terminal renewals or occasional promotions.

Nothing out of the ordinary in the telecommunications world. Picking up does not commit you to anything, and a 'thank you, but I'm not interested' is a perfectly valid response. The telemarketer won't be offended; they probably hear it forty times before coffee.

The Problem of Fake Technicians

Here comes the serious part. Movistar is, due to its size and popularity, one of the most impersonated brands by phone scammers. One of the most widespread scams is the fake technician: someone calls saying there's a problem with your connection, your router, or your computer, and that they need to 'access' it to fix it.

Moreover, there is a technique called spoofing that allows the number displayed on the screen to be faked. In other words, seeing 400 00 1004 does not guarantee that it is Movistar on the other end. That's why, rather than trusting the number, pay attention to what they ask you.

What Movistar Will Never Ask You

If during a call any of these requests come up, hang up without a second thought:

• Installing remote control programs on your computer or mobile.
• Providing passwords, whether for the customer area, email, or online banking.
• Dictating codes received by SMS that you did not request.
• Giving the full card number with its security code.
• Making an immediate payment to avoid a supposed service cut.

At the slightest doubt, hang up and call 1004, the customer service number of a lifetime. It's the safest way to check if there was really an outstanding issue with your line. Being a bit suspicious has never ruined anyone's day; giving your details to a scammer has.

How to Stop the Calls

If you prefer your phone to be quiet, you have several tools at your disposal to reduce commercial calls.

Robinson List

The Robinson List is a free advertising exclusion service. By signing up, companies running commercial campaigns must exclude you from their lists, as long as you are not their customer and have not given them express permission to contact you.

Opposition if You Are Already a Customer

If you already have something contracted with Movistar, the Robinson List is not always enough, because the customer relationship allows for some commercial contact. In that case, you can exercise your right to oppose and ask the company to stop calling you for advertising purposes. You can do this through customer service or tell the telemarketer directly the next time they call you.

Blocking from Your Mobile

The quick solution: block 400 00 1004 from your call log. Android and iPhone allow this in seconds, and many devices also include effective anti-spam filters. However, if you block the number, you will also miss out on offers, including those that could lower your bill. Everyone knows how much they value their peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to answer the call?

No. You can ignore it without any consequences. If there were something important related to your contract, Movistar has other channels, such as email, SMS, or the app itself.

Can they sign me up for something without my consent?

Absolutely not. Any telephone contract requires your express acceptance, usually with a verification recording. And even if you say yes, the law grants you a cooling-off period to back out if you change your mind.

Do they also call non-customers?

Yes. Attracting new customers is one of the main objectives of these campaigns, unless you are registered on the Robinson List or have expressly opposed.