Tag: Benidorm
Rental car scams in Spain
3 6How it works: Situation: rental car scams are not specific to Spain, but they have been going on for decades globally as they are so easy to execute (targets are…
Fake products in Spain
2 1How it works: Version 1: also known as manteros, you will likely encounter these illegal street hawkers of counterfeit products (e.g. soccer memorabilia, designer sunglasses, designer handbags, etc) at touristy…
Street pickpockets in Spain
7 14How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
Public transport pickpockets in Spain
5 3How it works: Situation: pickpockets love to target large, connecting metro stations as they can escape to other lines, as well as lines which tourists frequent. Version 1: one blocks…
Snatch thefts in Spain
5 12How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Bar, restaurant: stealing unattended bags/valuables on the…
Bird poo scam in Spain
7 5How it works: Opening: someone spills a white liquid resembling bird poo on your clothes or jacket. Next, strangers appear to help you clean it. Set-up: while you are distracted,…
ATM skimming in Spain
2 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
Bar scams in Spain
2 0How it works: Version 1: a young woman sits with you, gets a drink (on your tab) and chats with you. After a while, she disappears and you get hit…
Fake beggars in Spain
2 2How it works: Version 1: beggars with fake disabilities as well as drugged animals and babies. Version 2: some are actually pickpockets lying in wait. Places to beware: Please refer…
Sob story scammer in Spain
2 1How it works: Claims to be a fellow tourist who has been robbed and needs to go to the police/embassy for help but has no money for transport and for…
Counterfeit bill switcheroo in Spain
3 1How it works: You pass the cash to a waiter/vendor, he disappears and reappears again telling you that the note is counterfeit (he has swapped it) and asks you to…
Fake police in Spain
4 1How 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…