Brits in Tenerife warned of new scam targeting tourists: What to watch out for
A man has warned Brits of a new scam in a popular holiday destination, where criminals are asking tourists for directions and to use their mobile phones
by Benjamin Lynch · ChronicleLiveBrits heading to the sun-soaked Spanish island of Tenerife have been issued a stark warning about a prevalent scam targeting tourists.
The island, a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers with over 2.2 million Brits flocking there in 2022 as per Statista figures, has seen visitors fall prey to crafty criminals, as one man has taken to social media to caution his fellow travellers. TikTok user @seb_tenerife highlighted that scammers on the island often approach tourists under the guise of asking for directions or to borrow their mobile phones, only to abscond with the devices once they are unlocked.
Seb, who has made Tenerife his home, also pointed out the issue of pickpocketing as reported by the Express.
"I would just again be very careful," he advised. "Benidorm is a lot like Tenerife - both great holiday destinations, great weather, booze is flying, everyone's here for a good time, very similar sorts of destinations... But obviously, like anywhere where holiday places are... You've just got to be wary."
Playa de las Americas, a luxurious resort area on Tenerife's southwest coast known for its beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife, is also reportedly a hotspot for pickpockets according to Seb's warning, reports the Mirror.
In a viral video amassing over 15,000 views on TikTok, Seb has highlighted that numerous mishaps are often linked to alcohol consumption, as revellers enjoying their night tend to pay less attention to their surroundings. His advice was clear: "Las Americas does seem to be the spot where it's all happening, especially down Veronica's... So aye, just be careful, watch your belongings, and you'll be absolutely sound."
Greg Wilson, the CEO of insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk, spoke to Birmingham Live about the risks for holidaymakers in popular destinations around the globe. Referencing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which stated UK residents embarked on 86.2 million trips overseas in 2023, he illuminated the hazards at busy tourist locations.
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"Iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome are particularly popular with pickpockets as they can move more inconspicuously amongst larger crowds," Wilson delineated.
He further warned travellers, stating: "Many holidaymakers are unaware that some of the most popular destinations for Brits have some of the highest incidents of pickpocketing in Europe."
To combat this, Wilson stressed the importance of vigilance and offered practical advice: "It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewellery, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt."