Scam in SpainOther tricks
Fake email from a friend in trouble in Spain
How it works
A bogus email appears to come from someone you know. It claims that person is in trouble and urgently needs money.
Warning signs
- An unexpected message asks you to send money.
- The message claims a friend is in trouble.
- You have not confirmed the story through another contact method.
How to avoid it
- Contact the person using a number you already know.
- Do not send money based only on the email.
- Do not use contact details supplied in the suspicious message.
If it happens to you
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately. Save the message and report the fraud.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or fight over belongings. Call 112 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent help.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. Tell your bank or payment provider about any fraudulent payment or transfer.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, payment records, times, locations and descriptions.
- Report the crime to police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia, the police report, for insurance or replacement documents.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Contact the rental company if a rental vehicle was involved.
- Contact your insurer and keep your report and receipts. If a phone was stolen, secure affected accounts and contact your mobile provider.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the fake email from a friend in trouble scam in Spain?
A bogus email appears to come from someone you know. It claims that person is in trouble and urgently needs money.
How can I spot it early?
An unexpected message asks you to send money. The message claims a friend is in trouble. You have not confirmed the story through another contact method.
How do I avoid fake email from a friend in trouble in Spain?
Contact the person using a number you already know. Do not send money based only on the email. Do not use contact details supplied in the suspicious message.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately. Save the message and report the fraud.
Where in Spain does this happen?
Email.
How common is this scam in Spain?
Common. Spain is generally safe, but pickpocketing and distraction theft are common in busy tourist areas, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Travellers may also face taxi overcharging, padded restaurant bills, pushy street offers and online payment scams.
Are there similar scams in Spain?
Yes: fake El Gordo lottery win, fake inheritance requiring an advance payment.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, medical or fire help. The number is toll-free. Policía Nacional: report crimes in cities to the National Police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia if you need evidence for insurance or replacement documents. Policía Municipal or Local; Guardia Urbana in Barcelona: ask local police for help finding where to report. They can escort you to Policía Nacional headquarters if required, but do not directly take crime reports as described here. Regional police: regional forces with similar responsibilities to Policía Nacional include Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia, Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, Policía Foral in Navarre and Policía Canaria in the Canary Islands. Guardia Civil: seek help for incidents outside cities or on roads between cities. For urgent help, call 112. Your bank or card issuer: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to block cards, report fraud and ask whether a payment or transfer can be stopped or recovered. Your embassy or consulate: contact them through their official contact details if your passport is stolen. Keep your police report for the replacement process. Your travel insurer: report the loss promptly and follow the claim instructions. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of ownership. Your rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement to report vehicle damage or theft. Keep the police report and photographs of damage.
What number do I call in an emergency in Spain?
Police, medical and fire emergencies: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck