A Benidorm expert warned Brits that a common crime in the popular tourist hotspot has taken a “scarier twist” in recent times.
Michelle Baker relocated to Spain 40 years ago and has raised a family in Benidorm where she ran a newspaper for two decades. She now spreads information via her Benidormforever Facebook group, and she has warned visitors to be vigilant.
“Phone theft is the No1 crime in Benidorm and it’s now taken a scarier twist,” she wrote after revealing details about a new phone scam.
She continued: “I’m generally very positive about Benidorm, but several people I know personally have told me this happened to them recently (all of whom I consider streetwise individuals and none were drunk).”
Michelle said it even happened to her in recent weeks and said it was “clearly common and very easy to fall for” before explaining what the crime entailed.
She said: “You’re approached by an agitated young individual who has ‘lost’ his friends and can’t remember where he’s staying. He explains vaguely where he thinks it is and you open Google Maps on your phone to help him find his way.
“Once your phone is unlocked he snatches it and runs FAST; with adrenaline on his side he’s a two second head-start before you even react. Quickly passing the phone to tech savvy experts, within minutes passwords were expertly changed and large amounts of savings swiped.
“I was lucky; I didn’t get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was… but my friends weren’t so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this.
“It’s even sadder when you consider the many recent genuine stories of tourists getting lost, sometimes with tragic endings…”
With this in mind, she offered the following guidance: “So the moral of the story is; keep your phone out of sight; at best it’ll be swiped from a bar table and sold on for a few euros… but now it appears you’ll have all your money nicked too.”
Michelle stressed that the recent examples were all non-violent but that it will still “ruin your holiday” if you fall victim to it.
She concluded by saying that if you are approached by someone who is lost and it seems genuine, offer to walk them to the nearest hotel to ask for directions, rather than getting your phone out.
Earlier this year it was reported that a British tourist in Benidorm had his phone stolen by two thieves – before £16,000 was spent via the missing device.
It was also reported that two people, 19 and 20, were arrested by the Policia Nacional afterwards.
The police force went on to advise people never to key in passwords or code numbers on your phone if there could be strangers nearby watching. They also recommended using different passwords for banking apps, in case your phone was stolen.
The Foreign Office meanwhile advises travellers: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”