Question 1

What is the "Fake Police Wallet Check" scam in Palma de Mallorca?

Accepted Answer

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. Real Spanish police never inspect tourist wallets on the street. Ask for a badge number and insist on walking to the nearest comisaría together — scammers always refuse.

Question 2

What is the "Three-Cup Shell Game" scam in Palma de Mallorca?

Accepted Answer

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. Do not stop to watch or participate in any street gambling game. Local police have explicitly warned against this game across the island.

Question 3

What is the "Pickpocketing Near Bellver Castle" scam in Palma de Mallorca?

Accepted Answer

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. Use a front-facing crossbody bag. Never put phones in back pockets. Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to stop and help with directions — check your pockets immediately afterward.

Question 4

What is the "Camera Drop Scam" scam in Palma de Mallorca?

Accepted Answer

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. Decline to handle strangers' cameras. Offer to take photos on your own phone and show them instead.

Question 5

What is the "Fake Parking Attendant at Beach Car Parks" scam in Palma de Mallorca?

Accepted Answer

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. Only pay for parking through official machines displaying the Palma city council logo, or use the ORA/APK mobile app. Never pay cash to a person standing near parking bays. If someone approaches your car as you park, ignore them and go directly to the official machine.

Street Scams in Palma de Mallorca

Fake Police Wallet Check

Three-Cup Shell Game

Pickpocketing Near Bellver Castle

Camera Drop Scam

Fake Parking Attendant at Beach Car Parks

Experienced a scam here?