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Fake police in Spain

Last updated on 30 Apr 2019
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How it works:

  • Version 1 (counterfeit money): a first scammer posing as a tourist asks you for directions. Next, two fake officers appear, claim that the first guy is known for spreading counterfeit currency and demands to check your wallet.
  • Version 2 (drugs): the fake officer can also claim that the first guy is a drug trafficker and so demands to check your bag.

Places to beware:

  • Benidorm
  • Barcelona: Parc de la Ciutadella
  • Ibiza
  • Madrid: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
  • Malaga
  • Seville
  • Valencia

What to do:

  • Be skeptical: if you have not broken the law.
  • Three steps: verify badges and threaten to call the police. Never give your passport - only show a photocopy. Only comply at a police station with a lawyer/someone from your embassy.
  • Valuables: hide in a money belt/hidden pouch and use a cheap spare wallet with little cash which can be given up.
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1 user story related to this scam

Start over

Hit by the fake police in Madrid

Moises_Romo 3 Aug 2017 6 2

I just got hit by the fake police (working with the real police) in Madrid (Lavapies area).

I was minding my own, walking down a less busy street. And a group of guys in their early 20s surrounded me saying that they’re police and they need to verify my identity. They were wearing colored shorts, t-shirts and regular street clothes. They showed me their badges and id’s. They wouldn’t let me go. One of them had a gun.

I called the police a few times. Got hung up on by the impatient operator. I was calling help from passersbys but they didn’t want to be involved. I called the hostel that I was staying at and I think that must have made them decide not to rob me.

I finally showed them my drivers license and they kept questioning same lame questions over and over. Then the police came. They opened up the back door and had me empty out my pockets. They ran through my wallet in front of me. I thought for sure I was leaving empty handed. I didn’t have my passport on me.

I think the facts that I didn’t offer any bribe, started making phone calls, expressed distrust and prayed eventually they gave me everything and let me off. No money was missing.

They had arrested a young black guy for apparently no reason and took him away. Unfortunately, I think they saw him as easier prey. He was just crying saying he didn’t do anything and didn’t need to be arrested. I’m sure he’s right.

By the way, it was 7:30 and still light out when this happened.

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