Question 1

What is the "Timeshare Promoter Scratch Card" scam in Gran Canaria?

Accepted Answer

Gran Canarias resort areas, particularly Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles, have a well-documented concentration of timeshare and holiday club promoters. They hand out scratch cards that always reveal prizes and require a presentation attendance to claim them. The presentations involve rotating salespeople and aggressive tactics designed to pressure tourists into signing contracts worth thousands of euros. Ignore all scratch card offers and free gift pitches in resort areas. If you have already attended and signed, you have 14 days to cancel under EU consumer law. Contact Citizens Advice or your national consumer authority for guidance.

Question 2

What is the "Unofficial Camel Trek Upsell" scam in Gran Canaria?

Accepted Answer

Around the Maspalomas dunes, individuals approach tourists offering access to camel trekking at a lower price than the official operators. The agreed price increases at the turnaround point, guides demand tips under social pressure, or tourists are taken on routes far longer than agreed and charged accordingly. Some operate with animals in questionable condition. Book camel treks only through the official Camellos Maspalomas operators with fixed prices clearly displayed. Agree the full price, route, and duration in writing before mounting. Ignore all approaches from unofficial touts near the dune entrance.

Tour & Activity Scams in Gran Canaria

Timeshare Promoter Scratch Card

Unofficial Camel Trek Upsell

Experienced a scam here?