In recent days, many people have received an email with the disturbing subject “Notification General Directorate of the Police”. This situation has generated uncertainty and confusion among recipients, who wonder if it is an official communication or some kind of hoax. We analyze its veracity so that you know if you should go to a National Police station.
The National Police usually have access to certain personal data of citizens, including email. These sources may include official records, administrative databases, or data provided voluntarily by citizens themselves. In the specific case of the emails related to this notification, it is possible that they have obtained your email address from information linked to your ID. When you request an eDNIe, it is likely that you have been asked to provide your email address as part of the document issuance process.
It’s an official message
The cause for concern around these emails is that many recipients have confirmed that their ID has not expired, which might initially rule out any need to receive a notification from the General Directorate of Police. However, it has been discovered that these messages do not focus on the expiration of the DNI itself, but on the expiration of the digital certificates associated with the electronic DNI.
When a person obtains their DNIe, they carry electronic certificates of authentication and electronic signature. These certificates are essential to carry out procedures and transactions online, guaranteeing the identity and legal validity of electronic documents. The expiration of these certificates may mean the loss of important functionalities and the need to update them to continue using the related digital services.
Given this situation, it is understandable that users are confused and concerned about the authenticity of the emails received. In many cases, these messages contain instructions to renew the digital certificates, which could indicate that it is an official communication from the General Directorate of Police. However, it is essential to exercise caution and carefully verify the legitimacy of these emails before following any instructions or providing any personal information.
The best way to ensure the authenticity of a notification is to directly contact the General Directorate of Police through official channels to confirm if they have sent a communication related to digital certificates. It is also recommended to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails, as they could contain malware or phishing attempts. However, in this case it is completely true.
How is it renewed?
When it comes to renewing the electronic certificates associated with the DNIe, it is important to bear in mind that this process can be done without the need to renew the physical DNI card. Renewal of certificates is a separate procedure and can be carried out easily by following a few specific steps.
To renew electronic certificates, users can go to a National Police Documentation Unit without having to make an appointment. Once there, they will find a specific machine or terminal to carry out the renewal process. The renewal process at the machine is usually intuitive with clear instructions provided on the screen. You just have to follow the indicated steps and, in general, you will be asked to insert the electronic DNI in the machine and follow the instructions to complete the electronic certificate renewal process.
It is important to note that the renewal of electronic certificates is a voluntary procedure and totally free. There is no legal obligation to renew them if users do not wish to do so. However, it is advisable to take into account that, once the certificates have expired, certain services and electronic procedures may not be available until the renewal is carried out.
Renewed electronic certificates will be valid for 2 years from the renewal date. After this period, users must carry out the renewal process again if they wish to maintain the full functionality of their electronic ID and continue using the online services and procedures that require authentication and electronic signature.