Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Benidorm Expert Alerts Football Fans to New Scam Tactics
A prominent Benidorm authority has issued a warning regarding emerging scams targeting football enthusiasts in the popular Spanish coastal destination. Lucy Young, widely recognized as “The Benidorm Enthusiast,” has drawn attention to evolving theft methods impacting visitors in Benidorm, where she has resided for over two decades since her initial visit at age 16. The expert is urging tourists, especially football supporters, to exercise increased caution and vigilance against these deceptive practices.
“Hugger-Mugger” Theft Method
In a video posted on her YouTube channel, Benidorm Stuff, Lucy Young cautioned that thefts are a frequent occurrence in the resort, with expensive mobile phones being a prime target for criminals. She specifically highlighted the “hugger-mugger” technique employed by thieves who masquerade as fellow football fans. These individuals exploit celebratory atmospheres, blending into crowds of jubilant supporters to embrace unsuspecting tourists and subtly steal their valuable possessions during moments of excitement.
She detailed the scam, stating: “They often wear team shirts to blend in with the crowds, and in the midst of celebrations, while everyone is jumping and cheering, they relieve you of your belongings without you even noticing.”
Protecting Your Valuables: Preventative Measures
Young advised tourists to take proactive steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of theft. Her recommendations include:
- Minimize carrying expensive phones: When possible, avoid carrying high-value mobile devices in easily accessible places.
- Avoid Leaving Phones Unattended: Refrain from placing phones on tables in bars or carrying them in open pockets, where they can be easily snatched.
Utilizing Technology for Phone Security
To mitigate potential losses in case of theft, The Benidorm Enthusiast recommends a technological solution:
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
- Install a Tracking App: Setting up a tracking application on your phone allows for remote data wiping and location tracking, should your device be stolen.
Common Distraction Theft Techniques
The “Directions” Diversion
Lucy Young described a prevalent tactic where thieves feign needing help to distract and rob tourists. This involves:
- Asking for Directions: Criminals approach tourists, pretending to be lost and requesting directions.
- Phone Snatching: When the helpful tourist retrieves their phone, unlocks it, and opens a map application, the thief snatches the device and flees.
The “Flattery” Approach
Another deceitful method involves exploiting tourists’ vanity and trust, particularly targeting male visitors:
- Feigned Interest: Female thieves approach tourists, often men, and pretend to be romantically interested in them.
- Luring and Robbery: They may lead victims to secluded locations and, under the pretense of intimacy, steal wallets or phones, sometimes even unbuckling trousers to hinder pursuit due to embarrassment.
Importance of Reporting Thefts to Authorities
Despite potential embarrassment or a sense of futility, Lucy Young stressed the critical need to report all incidents of theft to the local police.
She explained: “While recovering your stolen items may be unlikely, each reported incident exerts pressure on the authorities to address the ongoing issue. Too many thefts in Benidorm still go unreported, hindering efforts to combat this problem effectively.”
Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas
Tourists are urged to be particularly vigilant in busy environments, including crowded bars, markets, and main streets. Any location with a significant congregation of people presents an increased risk of encountering opportunistic thieves and pickpockets. Heightened awareness and caution are essential for safeguarding personal belongings in Benidorm.