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Date Published: 19/03/2025

Holiday scams in Spain: The surprising number of tourists caught out

More than a million holidaymakers have been scammed in Spain—here’s how to avoid becoming one of them

Spain has been named the number one destination where tourists are most likely to fall victim to scams, with over one million travellers reporting they’ve been caught out in the last five years.

A study by Go.Compare, which analysed data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and surveys, revealed that Spain tops the list of countries where holiday scams are most common. More than 1,054,000 tourists have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes while visiting the country. Other high-risk destinations include France, the USA, Greece and Turkey.

Spain saw a record-breaking 94 million international visitors in 2024, making it the busiest year for tourism since records began, according to Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu. However, the surge in travellers has also made it a prime target for scammers, with one in every 61 tourists reportedly being deceived in some way.

Travel expert Rhys Jones from Go.Compare is urging visitors to stay alert. He warns: “Scammers take advantage of tourists who aren’t familiar with their surroundings and may be distracted or unprepared. But with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your holiday without unnecessary worry.”

For those who think they’ve been scammed, Jones advises reporting the incident to local authorities immediately. It’s also crucial to inform your bank or credit card provider to prevent further financial losses. He recommends switching to digital copies of passports and other sensitive documents while staying vigilant for signs of identity theft or fraudulent activity.

He adds: “If you’ve lost important documents, your embassy or consulate can help you cancel or replace them.”

Jones also stresses the importance of checking your travel insurance policy. Many plans cover financial losses from scams, including stolen passports, emergency travel documents, and extra accommodation costs if your return journey is affected.

With Spain ranking as the most scam-prone holiday destination, travellers are encouraged to stay cautious, especially in busy tourist hotspots. Falling for a scam could turn a dream getaway into an expensive mistake, so taking small steps to protect yourself can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and stress-free trip.

Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels

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