A woman who has lived in Benidorm for 42 years has issued a warning about a reported new scam targeting tourists — here’s what you need to know about the signs
Michelle Baker runs Benidorm forever(Image: Benidormforever)
Couples appearing “overly friendly” are ruining the breaks of Irish tourists travelling to Benidorm — according to one woman who has spent most of her life there.
Around 42,000 Irish tourists visit the famous resort town every – making the country the fourth most-popular in terms of visitors behind the UK, Spain and Portugal.
With that in mind, there is one worrying scam people should be aware of. Labelled the “selfie steal”, it targets female holidaymakers who end up losing their belongings.
According to Michelle Baker, a mum who has lived in the Spanish region for 42 years, it is a fresh criminal tactic that everyone ought to be mindful of if they are jetting into Alicante Airport.
Posting on social media, she said: “I don’t want to scare you as Benidorm is really very safe.”
Nevertheless, she explained that like any other bustling resort, there are dodgy individuals about who attempt to take advantage of tourists.
View of the city of Benidorm(Image: JESUSDEFUENSANTA via Getty Images)
And discussing their most recent con, Michelle, who is originally from England, said: “This is a new one and targets women mostly. A couple asks you to take a photo… they’re all smiles and overly friendly… then they ask you to get into their selfie.”
The mum, who has brought up her children in Benidorm having resided there for more than 42 years, emphasised that Irish and British people should “politely decline” if couples request them to feature in their photograph.
Clarifying why, she added: “Once up close they’ll deftly grab your goodies, purse, phone watch and jewellery and you won’t feel a thing.”
Michelle posted this alert on her Benidormforever Facebook page where she provides details about the advantages and disadvantages.
She also flagged up other cons and revealed the most common one was mobile thefts and that most handsets were nicked from tables. Michelle, who previously operated a newspaper for British residents in the region, also warned that attractive women approach intoxicated men offering embraces, while swiftly lifting their phones and wallets from their pockets.
Michelle Baker (Image: Benidormforever)
She explained that mobile devices fetch substantial sums on the black market — and cautioned against handing your phone to strangers who claim to be lost and ask to use your Google Maps.
In a final warning, Michelle concluded: “Forgot to add and everyone is a target for this one. When you get off the airport bus, thieves target airport buses as you’ll be disoriented searching for luggage and watching for the kids and traffic. Keep your important bag under your arm.”
Following her social media post aimed at “Benidorm beginners”, one person responded: “My hubby had his phone stolen first time he went. It’s real.”
Another commented: “My 16yo daughter had her iPhone nicked out of her front pocket last year didn’t feel a thing, (we think someone bumped into her) she realised seconds later but it was gone and of cause nobody saw a thing. Gutting for her. Yeah so be very aware.”
Someone else remarked: “Good advice, hopefully people will take notice and have a stress free holiday.”
A final response stated: “Good advice in general, not just for here. Stay safe everyone and enjoy your time in this lovely area.”