Scammers are everywhere, and they do not spare the travellers to Spain. In an instant, they can take your money away from you. However, do not let these people discourage you from making your trip to the Iberian Peninsula. You just need to stay alert and be observant of your surroundings and you will be able to enjoy your holiday. Here are the top 5 holiday scams in Spain and some tips on how to avoid them.
Street Scams
As you walk unaccompanied along the streets, you might be attracted to watch a game that seems to be easy to win. When you decide to join, the scammer will use tricks that will make you surely lose, with the help of some accomplices.
Another risk here is that you might be a pickpocket victim while your attention is on the game.
Restaurant Scams
This is also one of the top 5 holiday scams in Spain. After eating in a restaurant, you give your payment to the waiter. He goes to a certain area and disappears. After a while, he reappears again, to tell you that your money is a counterfeit. Obviously, your payment, which is real money, has been switched with a fake bill, and you will be asked to pay again.
To avoid this problem, take note of your bill’s serial number before handing it out to the waiter, or demand to speak to the manager.
Bus and Train Pickpockets
In places where tourists in Spain roam, including busses and trains, there are also pickpockets. These people focus on large metro stations because they can always run off to other stations. The thief’s strategy is done like this: one person will block the door and another person will steal.
Do not let yourself get caught off guard, especially if the place is crowded, and always keep your money close to yourself.
Trojan Horse Scam
This is the most recent of the top 5 holiday scams in Spain. The thief hides himself inside a big luggage bag, which is placed in a storage area along with other luggage. He comes out and steals small valuables from the other bags, and then hides himself again in his suitcase.
Make sure that your luggage is locked and secure if you will deposit it to a storage area and as much as possible keep your valuables close to you.
Highway Pirates Scam
If you are driving a foreign registered car along the highway of Spain, some “helpful strangers” might signal you to stop, because you have a punctured tire or other reason. Do not stop. This could only be a trick.
If, stop your vehicle to check the tire, choose a place where there is light and keep your car doors closed and your keys with you.