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Common in Spain

Scam in SpainFake officials

Fake police and staged directions requests in Spain

City streets and tourist areas, including near Sants station and Plaça d'Espanya.

How it works

Thieves pose as police and ask to see your passport, ID or wallet. They steal when you reveal your belongings. In one version, an accomplice first asks for directions, then fake police arrive to demand identification. This also occurs elsewhere in Spain.

Warning signs

  • Someone claiming to be police asks to inspect your wallet.
  • A directions request is followed by an unexpected police approach.
  • The person wants your valuables before showing their own identification.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask to see the person's identification before showing your ID.
  2. Do not display your wallet or other valuables.
  3. Walk away from the staged street conversation described here.
  4. Keep your bag closed during unexpected approaches.

If it happens to you

Leave the interaction if you can do so safely. Report any theft to police. Call 112 if you are threatened or need urgent help.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or fight over belongings. Call 112 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent help.
  2. Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. Tell your bank or payment provider about any fraudulent payment or transfer.
  3. Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, payment records, times, locations and descriptions.
  4. Report the crime to police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia, the police report, for insurance or replacement documents.
  5. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Contact the rental company if a rental vehicle was involved.
  6. Contact your insurer and keep your report and receipts. If a phone was stolen, secure affected accounts and contact your mobile provider.
Where it happensCity streets and tourist areas, including near Sants station and Plaça d'Espanya.Barcelona

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in SpainMetro boarding distraction theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the fake police and staged directions requests scam in Spain?

Thieves pose as police and ask to see your passport, ID or wallet. They steal when you reveal your belongings. In one version, an accomplice first asks for directions, then fake police arrive to demand identification. This also occurs elsewhere in Spain.

How can I spot it early?

Someone claiming to be police asks to inspect your wallet. A directions request is followed by an unexpected police approach. The person wants your valuables before showing their own identification.

How do I avoid fake police and staged directions requests in Spain?

Ask to see the person's identification before showing your ID. Do not display your wallet or other valuables. Walk away from the staged street conversation described here. Keep your bag closed during unexpected approaches.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Leave the interaction if you can do so safely. Report any theft to police. Call 112 if you are threatened or need urgent help.

Where in Spain does this happen?

City streets and tourist areas, including near Sants station and Plaça d'Espanya. It has been reported in Barcelona.

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.

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.

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