Benidorm tourists 'lose thousands of pounds' as warning issued over holiday scam

Holidaymakers in Benidorm have been alerted to a significant "problem" that could result in them losing thousands of pounds.

Lucy, also known as the Benidorm Enthusiast, recently took to the Benidorm Stuff channel on YouTube to outline the most prevalent pickpocketing tactics and scams tourists might encounter in the Spanish resort town.

She stated that pickpocketing is "most definitely a problem in Benidorm", and suggested the "most common" theft involves mobile phones. She recommended swapping your mobile for an older model when going out.

She also detailed some of the specific scams she's seen people fall prey to, including one involving 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'."

The link actually grants 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.

Lucy said the most common method used by pickpockets to steal phones is what she termed the "stealth method". This involves thieves slipping their hands into your pockets in crowded areas such as "markets, shopping streets and bars".

She also mentioned a distraction technique employed by scammers known as the "Pea Men" in Benidorm. These individuals engage you in a rigged game involving a pea and some cups, while accomplices in the crowd eye up your valuables and attempt to swipe them. They may also signal to other criminals about the location of your valuables.

Lucy went on to discuss "hugger muggers". These individuals "pretend to be tourists", strike up a conversation with you, give you a "nice big friendly hug" before leaving, all while emptying your pockets. This is particularly prevalent in bars showing football, where the thief pretends to be a fan and steals valuables when a goal is scored.

The "lost tourist scam" is another problem, whereby a person asks for directions using a map, only to steal your belongings while you're distracted. According to Lucy, they might cover your items with the map and take them. In a similar ruse, someone could ask you to look up directions on your phone, then snatch it and flee as soon as it's unlocked.