Scam in SpainTheft
Metro boarding distraction theft in Spain
How it works
A group surrounds a tourist as people board. Several people urgently ask for directions while another empties the tourist's pockets. The thieves leave just before the doors close, leaving the victim on the departing train.
Warning signs
- Several people surround you while you board.
- People ask frantic questions at the train doorway.
- Someone presses close to your pockets or bag.
How to avoid it
- Secure your belongings before boarding.
- Keep your bag in front of you.
- Do not stop to answer questions in a crowded doorway.
- Move away if a group surrounds you.
If it happens to you
Check your belongings as soon as you are safe. Block missing cards and report the theft. Do not chase thieves through closing doors.
- 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.
- TripadvisorBarcelona ForumOur Barcelona Pickpocket Encounter on the TMB (metro) - Barcelona ForumA traveller describes a suspected coordinated distraction and positioning scheme around the doors of a Barcelona metro carriage.Read on Tripadvisor
- WebWikivoyageBarcelona – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community guide describes thieves surrounding boarding passengers with directions questions before stealing and leaving just as the doors close.Read on Web
Questions
What is the metro boarding distraction theft scam in Spain?
A group surrounds a tourist as people board. Several people urgently ask for directions while another empties the tourist's pockets. The thieves leave just before the doors close, leaving the victim on the departing train.
How can I spot it early?
Several people surround you while you board. People ask frantic questions at the train doorway. Someone presses close to your pockets or bag.
How do I avoid metro boarding distraction theft in Spain?
Secure your belongings before boarding. Keep your bag in front of you. Do not stop to answer questions in a crowded doorway. Move away if a group surrounds you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check your belongings as soon as you are safe. Block missing cards and report the theft. Do not chase thieves through closing doors.
Where in Spain does this happen?
Metro trains during boarding. 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.
Are there similar scams in Spain?
Yes: pickpocketing and team distractions, theft from rental vehicles, bird-dropping clean-up theft.
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