Scam in SpainOn the street
Shell game and Three Card Monte in Spain
How it works
Street operators run shell games or a version of Three Card Monte. You risk losing money if you play. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed. The operators are called trileros.
Warning signs
- A street betting game draws a crowd.
- Someone encourages you to join or place a bet.
- People press close while you watch.
How to avoid it
- Do not play or place a bet.
- Keep walking instead of watching.
- Keep your bag closed as you pass.
If it happens to you
Leave the group without arguing. Check your belongings and report any theft.
- 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 shell game and Three Card Monte scam in Spain?
Street operators run shell games or a version of Three Card Monte. You risk losing money if you play. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed. The operators are called trileros.
How can I spot it early?
A street betting game draws a crowd. Someone encourages you to join or place a bet. People press close while you watch.
How do I avoid shell game and Three Card Monte in Spain?
Do not play or place a bet. Keep walking instead of watching. Keep your bag closed as you pass.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Leave the group without arguing. Check your belongings and report any theft.
Where in Spain does this happen?
Near Atocha station in Madrid and on Barcelona's Ramblas, also called Les Rambles. It has been reported in Madrid, 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: rosemary offers and good-luck distractions, palm-reading charges and accomplice theft, 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