Fowl Play: Spanish Police Warn Of Bird Poo Scam
Spain News
Published: 08 March 2022 16:12 CET
Holidaymakers visiting Spain including those from Britain and Ireland are being warned of a new scam which is being used in many of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The scam which is commonly referred to as the ‘bird poo scam’ targets holidaymakers with con-artists looking to steal valuables such as money, passports and other items.
Holidaymakers have been urged to remain vigilant when out and about and avoid the trick which involves a person throwing a bird poo coloured liquid on the victim's clothing.
The perpetrator will point out the mishap and offer to help the victim clean up. They will then use this opportunity to steal the victim's belongings such as wallets, bank cards and other valuables.
Spanish police recently arrested a 54 and 60-year-old for this particular form of ‘fowl play’ after they were caught attempting to use the trick on holidaymakers.
The men were apprehended in the coastal resort of Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, which is popular with British and Irish holidaymakers.
The two men who preyed on both elderly people and tourists, stealing bank cards, money and other valuables were accused of six counts of theft and five of fraud.
The warning from the Spanish police follows a surge in holiday bookings after many of the Covid restrictions were recently lifted, opening the country up for the Easter and Summer holidays.
Despite the warning, it is important to understand that Spain is no different to other European countries and many tourist areas are a natural magnet to pickpockets and scammers.
Spain’s Department of Foreign Affairs categorises the country as having a “moderate” rate of crime.
Their website reads, “Most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime. However, given the very high number of holidaymakers that visit Spain, additional security measures are rolled out in public areas at peak times, such as during the summer and at Christmas.
“You should be aware that in areas such as airports, bus stations, railway stations, tourist areas and major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there is a much higher risk of pickpocketing and muggings.”
The DFA offered a number of tips on how holidaymakers and residents can stay safe in tourist areas.
- Never carry credit cards, money and travel tickets together.
- Leave spare cash in a separate, safe place.
- Don’t carry your passport with you unless you need to and leave a copy of your passport and travel insurance documents at home with friends and family.
- Be extra vigilant in areas where scams are more likely to occur such as train and bus stations, airports and internet cafes.
- Don’t use ATM machines after dark and avoid showing large sums of money off in public.
- Avoid dark unlit streets and stairways. Arrange to be picked up close to your apartment or hotel entrance.
Source
https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/bird-poo-scam-warning-irish-23307843
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/holidaymakers-issued-warning-over-spanish-26409815
