A Brit living in Benidorm has uncovered a popular questions tourists are asked – and in many cases there’s an ulterior motive to pinch mobile phones from unassuming visitors
A Benidorm expert has issued a stern warning to holidaymakers about a significant issue that has plagued the area, urging tourists to remain vigilant.
Known as frankthestagmanofficial on TikTok, Frank is famed for organising stag and hen dos in the Spanish resort. He also uses his platform to share travel advice. In one video, he revealed a major problem affecting tourists. He raised the alarm for travellers, stressing that “this is really happening”, and advised them to be “very, very careful” during their stay.
Frank pointed out a “big problem” with holidaymakers having their phones stolen. In his clip, he explained: “Generally, what happens is, someone comes up to you and they’ll say to you ‘oh, I’m with some friends, and I’m lost, and I don’t know where I’m going. Can you do a Google Map search for me?’
“What you do, because you’re a nice person, is you whip your phone out, you get your Google Maps up, and as soon as you get your Google Maps up, they grab the phone and run off with it.”
Warning: The following video may contain offensive language.
Frank clarified that if you’re wondering why they insist on you unlocking your phone first, there’s a straightforward reason. Once it’s unlocked, they can “help themselves” to all your apps, including any money-related ones.
If anyone approaches you with such a story, he strongly advises against taking out your phone. He admitted it’s a “horrible” thing to suggest, but warns it’s necessary given the current circumstances.
The man issued a warning: “You help that one person, they’ll run off with your phone, they’ll take all your money,”. “Just basically destroy whatever they can. And, do you know what people, let me tell you this right now, no one’s going to help you then.”
His warning has resonated with many, garnering over 2.1 million views and numerous comments expressing gratitude for the warning.
One user agreed: “It’s rife now, and dangerous too.” Another shared a consequence of this trend: “Such a shame for people who genuinely might need help as we’re all too scared to help anyone.”
A third user drew a parallel: “Like a standard day in London then.” Another commenter recounted a similar experience: “This happened to me in Bilbao. Ironically, I spent the rest of my holiday asking strangers if I could use their Google Maps to work out where I was going. Didn’t run off though.”
Others thanked Frank for raising awareness, pointing out that some banking apps have facial recognition for added security, yet still advised against taking unnecessary risks.
Benidorm sits in the middle of the Costa Blanca and according to an index from online holiday provider, Travel Republic, British tourists accounted for 45% of overnight stays in this city alone in 2024, totalling over 600,000 visitors. Benidorm has 32 British pubs, many of which stream live sports daily and are known for their very low beer prices.