Tourists planning a visit to Benidorm in Spain need to be aware of a scam that could cost them thousands of pounds – thankfully, an expert has explained exactly how it works
Tourists in Benidorm have been warned of a huge “problem” that could lead to thousands of pounds being wiped from their bank accounts.
Lucy, also known as the Benidorm Enthusiast, recently took to the Benidorm Stuff channel on YouTube to explain the most common pickpocketing tricks and scams you might face in the Spanish resort town.
She said pickpocketing is “most definitely a problem in Benidorm”, explaining: “A high concentration of people makes for lots of opportunities for pickpockets to do their thing unnoticed. Add alcohol into the mix, which is obviously prevalent in Benidorm, it brings people’s guards down, ups vulnerability, and therefore these dirty pickpockets are in their element.”
Lucy explained the “most common” theft is that of mobile phones, and recommended swapping your mobile out for an older, cheaper model when going out in Benidorm. She also went into some of the specific scams she’s seen people fall victim to.
One involves an “email sent to the phone owner after it’s been lost or stolen”. She said: “The email says something along the lines of, ‘This phone has been found – click the link and enter your password to locate the phone’.” Lucy explained the link actually gives the thieves access to the phone and everything on it. “I’ve heard of thousands being wiped out of bank accounts using this scam,” she warned.
As to how the pickpockets get the phones in the first place, Lucy said the most common technique is what she called the “stealth method” – with thieves dipping their hands into your pockets in busy places such as “markets, shopping streets and bars”.
Sometimes thieves will also “use distraction”, which is a tactic deployed by the “Pea Men” in Benidorm. The Pea Men are known scammers who can be found playing a game with a pea and some cups. They might convince you to gamble on the game, although it’s rigged so you won’t win, with a crowd of spectators looking on.
But those spectators will also be in on the scam, eyeing you up for valuables and trying to swipe anything while you are distracted by the game. They might also inform other nearby criminals where your valuables are kept, Lucy added.
Lucy said another technique known as the “hugger mugger” is becoming more common in Benidorm. These are people who “pretend to be tourists”, chatting to you and giving a “nice big friendly hug” before they leave, while emptying your pockets at the same time. Lucy added this is particularly common in bars showing football, with the criminal pretending to be a fan and swiping valuables when a goal goes in.
The “lost tourist scam” is also an issue, whereby someone will approach you with a map asking for directions. Lucy said they’ll place the map over your belongings and take them while you’re distracted. Similarly, someone might approach you in the street asking if you can look up directions on your phone, only to grab it and run off as soon as it’s unlocked.
