AI technology is being exploited by some tourists in Spain to create sophisticated scams aimed at evading payment for meals. Restaurants have reported incidents where patrons presented AI-generated evidence of issues, such as fabricated videos of pests, in an effort to have their bills waived.
One such incident occurred in Galicia, where two English diners ordered multiple dishes and expensive wine. Towards the end of their meal, they showed a server a video depicting small black bugs crawling on their table, complete with what appeared to be the restaurant's logo on the tablecloth. The diners claimed the pests had left, and they should not have to pay. However, the restaurant staff identified the video as AI-generated. When the diners threatened to post the footage on social media if the bill was not dismissed, the restaurant warned of involving the police, leading the patrons to pay the full amount.
Another case took place in Tarragona last year. Two tourists attempted to leave a restaurant after accumulating a bill of approximately €4,000. They presented staff with an image of a payment receipt, but upon verification, it was discovered that the payment had not been processed. Catalan police were called and arrested the couple, confirming that the forged receipt had been created using AI.
These incidents highlight a growing concern that AI could become a tool for dishonest customers. Travel scams, in general, have seen a significant surge in recent years, with experts suggesting that AI is enabling criminals to create more convincing fraudulent schemes. According to Booking.com, travel scams have increased by 500 to 900 percent. Regulators have reported that £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024 alone, with fraudsters exploiting last-minute bookings and deals.
AI is increasingly being used to generate realistic voices and messages that can impersonate trusted contacts, including travel companies or family members. Authorities advise travelers to be vigilant for warning signs such as unnatural conversation pauses, high-pressure tactics, requests for immediate payment, or changes to banking details. It is recommended to always verify credentials through official websites, confirmed phone numbers, or multiple communication channels before acting on any request.