Street Scams in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Palma de Mallorca — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
5
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Palma de Mallorca
How it works
The classic three-cup trick is run near busy tourist spots. The game is rigged — local police have publicly warned tourists they will "definitely lose." Participants are also typically pickpocketed while watching.
How it works
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers near the Cathedral and Passeig des Born stop tourists and ask to inspect wallets for counterfeit currency. Cash disappears during inspection.
How it works
Pickpocket teams work the tourist routes around Bellver Castle and the Passeig Marítim, using distraction techniques including the friendly directions approach where an accomplice lifts your wallet while you look at a map.
How it works
A local near Bellver Castle or the Old Town asks you to photograph them, then deliberately drops the camera when you return it and demands payment for the supposed damage.
How it works
At popular beach parking areas in Palma and surrounding coves like Cala Major and Platja de Palma, unofficial individuals in reflective vests or plain clothes pose as parking attendants, collecting cash fees from drivers before they park. They issue no official receipt and disappear before the driver returns. In some cases the same person returns when the driver is back and demands an additional "exit fee." Legitimate municipal parking in Palma uses machines or the official APK app — there are no cash-collecting attendants.
See all scams in Palma de Mallorca
11 total warnings across all categories