Question 1

What is the "Pickpocketing on the Promenade" scam in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Pickpocket teams operate on the Paseo de Levante and in the crowded areas near the beach, particularly around beach bars and the most photographed viewpoints. One person distracts the target while another removes wallets, phones, or passports from bags and pockets. Incidents peak during evening promenade hours and weekend afternoons. Carry valuables in a front pocket or interior zipped compartment. Keep your phone in a pocket when not using it rather than in your hand. Be alert when someone bumps into you, asks you for directions, or draws your attention to something nearby. Leave passports and extra cards in the hotel safe.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Police Wallet Check" scam in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Plain-clothes individuals claiming to be undercover Guardia Civil or local police stop tourists near the beach promenade or outside bars and request to inspect wallets for counterfeit currency or drugs. During the inspection, cash is removed or swapped for lower-denomination notes. Real Spanish police must identify themselves with credentials before requesting a search. Ask to see official police identification before complying with any search. Real officers will produce a badge. Request to conduct the interaction at a nearby police station if you are uncertain. Never hand your wallet directly to someone claiming to be police — show the contents yourself if a search is genuinely required.

Question 3

What is the "Counterfeit Goods on the Promenade" scam in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Vendors on the Paseo de Levante and in the area around the old town market sell counterfeit designer sunglasses, handbags, football shirts, and accessories. Items are presented as genuine surplus or heavily discounted brand merchandise. Spanish authorities conduct periodic enforcement operations and confiscated goods are not returned. Do not purchase goods from unlicensed street vendors regardless of how authentic the packaging appears. Genuine designer goods are not sold from blankets or folding tables. Possession of counterfeit goods can result in confiscation by police at the border without compensation.

Question 4

What is the "Friendship Bracelet Trap" scam in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Men approach tourists on the Paseo de Levante and near the beach bars, placing braided friendship bracelets on wrists without permission and then demanding 10-20 EUR for the gift. They use persistent social pressure and manufactured guilt to prevent tourists from leaving without paying. The operation is identical to versions run across Spanish resort towns. Keep walking and decline immediately without engaging in conversation. Never extend your wrist or allow physical contact with someone approaching you on the street. If a bracelet is being tied, walk away firmly — it will slip off and the operator will not follow into a crowded area.

Street Scams in Benidorm

Pickpocketing on the Promenade

Fake Police Wallet Check

Counterfeit Goods on the Promenade

Friendship Bracelet Trap

Experienced a scam here?