Street scams in Spanish cities: trileros, bracelets and fake petitions

Key rules

• Emergency numbers: Call 112 or 091 if you are pressured, doubt a claimed officer, or need help.
• Physical contact: Never let a stranger tie, place or press anything on your hands or wrists.
• Cards and PINs: Never hand over your card or PIN, even to someone claiming to be police or to help at a cash machine.
• Theft report: If something is stolen, file a denuncia at a police station.

The short version

Most street scams in Spain work the same way: a stranger gets close, touches you or distracts you, and a partner takes your money or phone. Your best defence is simple. Refuse, keep walking and keep your bag closed in front of you.

Bracelets, flowers and rosemary

Someone offers a sprig of rosemary or a flower, or grabs your hand to tie on a bracelet. Then they demand payment, sometimes aggressively, while an accomplice may go through your pockets.

• Do not let anyone touch your hands or wrists.
• Say no firmly, do not take the item and keep walking.
• Do not pay.
• If you are being pressured, step into a busy place or a shop and call 112 or 091.

This is common in tourist areas of cities such as Seville, Madrid and Barcelona.

Distraction thefts

Someone points out a stain on your clothes, or asks for directions or shows you a map. While you look down or help, a second person takes something. Similar tricks include a "hug" from a stranger and a "tap on the car" on the road, including fake breakdown or flat-tyre helpers.

• Keep valuables in inner pockets.
• Refuse physical contact and walk away from a stain "helper".
• Do not stop for roadside helpers you did not call. Stay in the locked car and call 112 if you need help.

Fake petitions and shell games

A friendly person asks you to sign a petition or charity form, and then asks for money or a "donation" while others crowd round you. Shell games (trileros) use three cups or cards on a street table. The "winners" in the crowd are part of the act, and you will not win. Do not sign, do not play and move on.

Fake police officers

Someone in plain clothes says they are a police officer and asks to check your wallet or cards. Do not hand anything over. Ask to see ID. If in doubt, say you will call 091 or 112, and do it. Real officers will not mind.

Cash machines and cards

Be wary of "helpful" people at cash machines, and of anything stuck onto the card slot. Never hand over your card or share your PIN. If a machine looks odd, use another one, ideally inside a bank branch.

Fake tickets, listings and messages

Scams also happen away from the street: fake tickets, fake rental listings and phishing texts or messages that look like they come from your bank. Do not pay for a listing you have not seen, and do not click links in unexpected bank messages. Call your bank on its usual number.

Taxi overcharging

Taxi fares are set locally, so they differ by city. Check these things:

• The meter is working and visible, and it starts at the minimum start fare.
• The right tariff is showing. Tariff 1 is for weekday daytime. The higher tariff 2 applies at night, at weekends and on holidays.
• Supplements for the airport, luggage, stations or events must appear on the official tariff sheet. Some cities have fixed fares from the airport to the centre.
• Ask for a receipt (recibo) showing the route and fare.

If you were overcharged, note the licence number and plate. Ask for the complaint book (hoja de reclamaciones), which every taxi must carry. You can also complain to the city's taxi department, the regional transport department or the consumer office. Check the exact tariff and complaint body for your city.

If something was stolen

Report it at a police station by making a denuncia, or call 112. You will usually need the report for an insurance claim or to replace documents. Warnings and questions on taxis and fake officers are also covered in the boxes on this page.

What to watch out for

• Bracelet, flower and rosemary tricks: Someone grabs your hand, ties a bracelet or puts a rosemary sprig or flower in it, then demands payment aggressively. An accomplice may pick your pockets while you are distracted. Refuse firmly, do not let anyone touch your hands or wrists, keep walking and do not pay.

• Distraction thefts: A stain spilled on your clothes, or a stranger asking for directions or showing a map, can be a cover for someone to take your wallet or phone. Keep valuables in inner pockets and bags closed in front of you.

• Fake police officers: People posing as police may ask to check your wallet or cards, and then take cash or card details. Never hand over cards or PINs. Ask for ID and call 091 or 112 if in doubt.

• Fake petitions, shell games and cash machine helpers: A friendly signature request for a charity, a street shell game (trileros) or a helpful stranger at a cash machine are set-ups to take your money or card details. Walk away from petitions and shell games, never play, and do not accept help at cash machines. If anything is stolen, file a denuncia at a police station or call 112.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a taxi fare in Spain is fair?

Check that the taxi has a working, sealed meter you can see, starting at the minimum fare, with the right tariff light on. Tariff 1 is for weekday daytime, and a higher tariff 2 applies at night, weekends and holidays. Ask for a receipt (recibo) showing the route and fare, and note that supplements for the airport, luggage or stations must be on the official tariff sheet.

Where can I report a taxi driver who overcharged me?

You can complain to your city or regional taxi authority, or to the consumer office (Consumo).

Should I call the police if someone claiming to be an officer asks to check my wallet?

Yes, ask for their ID first and call 091 or 112 if you have any doubt, because real officers do not need you to hand over cards or PINs. Do not give your wallet to anyone until you have checked, and report any theft at a police station with a denuncia.