Tourists visiting the popular Spanish resort of Benidorm are being alerted to a new scam involving overly friendly couples who allegedly target visitors for their valuables. The tactic, described as a 'selfie steal,' begins when a couple approaches tourists, offering to take their photograph. They then invite the tourists to join them in a selfie.
According to Michelle Baker, a Benidorm resident who shared the warning on her Facebook page, Benidormforever, the scammers become close to their targets and then deftly steal purses, phones, watches, and jewelry without the victim noticing. Baker cautioned that while Benidorm is generally a safe destination, visitors can sometimes let their guard down.
Another scam to be aware of in Benidorm is known as 'The Pea Men.' This involves a friendly couple who engage tourists, typically on the beach, in a shell game. A man hides a pea under a cup, shuffles it with others, and invites bets on its location. The couple playing the game initially appears to win, encouraging tourists to take a risk. However, the scam involves confederates who ensure the tourist loses subsequent rounds, becoming intimidating and demanding money until the victim is 'skint,' or broke. Baker advises bystanders to simply walk away from such encounters.
In parallel to tourist scams, Benidorm authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal holiday rentals. Local officials have reportedly collected over €100,000 in fines from properties operating outside regulations. The Olive Press reported that the first four penalties each amounted to €50,001, with the owners agreeing to pay after admitting to violations. Javi Jorda, Benidorm’s commerce councillor, indicated that an additional 12 sanctions are currently being processed. Since the local council gained sanctioning authority, 196 holiday rentals have been flagged through complaints.