Scam in SpainOn the street
Palm-reading charges and accomplice theft in Spain
How it works
People working in teams draw visitors into palm readings and demand a large payment. A child working with the reader may snatch your money.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches you for an unsolicited palm reading.
- Other people gather close during the reading.
- A child stays close to your cash or wallet.
How to avoid it
- Decline unsolicited readings.
- Do not take out your wallet during the approach.
- Keep your belongings close and move on.
If it happens to you
Move away if safe. If money is snatched, report the theft and describe everyone involved.
- 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.
Questions
What is the palm-reading charges and accomplice theft scam in Spain?
People working in teams draw visitors into palm readings and demand a large payment. A child working with the reader may snatch your money.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches you for an unsolicited palm reading. Other people gather close during the reading. A child stays close to your cash or wallet.
How do I avoid palm-reading charges and accomplice theft in Spain?
Decline unsolicited readings. Do not take out your wallet during the approach. Keep your belongings close and move on.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move away if safe. If money is snatched, report the theft and describe everyone involved.
Where in Spain does this happen?
Near the Mezquita. It has been reported in Córdoba.
How much can it cost me?
€40 for a palm reading.
How common is this scam in Spain?
Occasional. 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: shell game and Three Card Monte, rosemary offers and good-luck distractions, street massage extortion.
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