Question 1

What is the "Timeshare Presentation Trap" scam in Lanzarote?

Accepted Answer

Lanzarotes resort areas of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca have a high concentration of timeshare and holiday club promoters. They approach tourists on the seafront offering free gifts, meals, or excursions in exchange for attending a short presentation. The presentations are high-pressure sales events lasting two to four hours with rotating closers and manufactured urgency to sign contracts. Refuse all unsolicited offers of free gifts or excursions from strangers in resort areas. If you do attend a presentation, know you have a 14-day cooling-off period under Spanish law and may cancel any contract signed.

Question 2

What is the "Unofficial Tour Ticket Seller" scam in Lanzarote?

Accepted Answer

Freelance ticket sellers in Puerto del Carmens tourist strip sell boat trips to Papagayo Beach, camel safari packages, and volcano tours at prices similar to or slightly below official operators. The trips may be substandard, overcrowded, or fail to depart as scheduled. In some cases the printed tickets are not accepted by actual operators and tourists have lost the full amount paid. Book tours only from official operator offices or your hotel activity desk. Verify the tour company name and look them up online before paying. Be wary of anyone selling from a folding table or bag on the street.

Question 3

What is the "Quad Bike Rental Hidden Damage Charge" scam in Lanzarote?

Accepted Answer

Quad bike and buggy rental operators, particularly around Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, are known for claiming damage on return that was pre-existing or minor. Renters who did not photograph the vehicle carefully before leaving find themselves facing demands for hundreds of euros in repair costs. Some operators retain credit card details and charge without warning days after the rental. Photograph the entire vehicle from every angle before driving off, and have the operator sign a condition report. Never hand over your credit card for an open authorisation — insist on a fixed deposit amount clearly stated in the contract.

Tour & Activity Scams in Lanzarote

Timeshare Presentation Trap

Unofficial Tour Ticket Seller

Quad Bike Rental Hidden Damage Charge

Experienced a scam here?