Michelle Baker has lived in Benidorm for most of her life and the Brit has now opened up about a new scam that targets female tourists in the Spanish holiday hotspot
Michelle Baker is hugely positive about Benidorm, but she offered some warnings
A British mum who has called Benidorm home for over 42 years has warned holidaymakers about a new scam that targets women.
Michelle Baker is married to a Spaniard and she has raised their children in the popular resort where she used to run a newspaper for Brits. However, she now keeps travellers updated by sharing tips and information on her Benidormforever Facebook page.
But her most recent post was a more serious one. Sh explained: “Statistically Benidorm is a very safe resort, however, like any busy city there are opportunists waiting to rob you.”
She then said to follow the obvious precautions like keeping your valuables close and your suitcase in sight — before naming the scams actively taking place this summer.
New scam
Michelle labelled this scam the “selfie steal” and she explained: “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 Benidorm expert advised that this was the point where you must decline — before explaining the dangers of not doing so.
She continued: “Once up close they’ll deftly grab your goodies, purse, phone watch and jewellery and you won’t feel a thing.”
Phone theft
She said phone theft was the “number one crime” in Benidorm at the moment and that modern smartphones are being sold for significant prices on the black market, especially if they are unlocked.
Michelle warned that distracting tactics were used to make the crime non-violent and painless and that most are simply swiped from tables.
However, she warned: “But recently thieves are getting smarter; they want your phone unlocked so typically they’ll approach you while you’re scrolling and tell you they are lost and ask to use Google Maps on your phone.”
She said never to hand your phone over and that thieves will take it quickly before passing it on to someone in a waiting car who will change your password, spend your money and ultimately ruin your trip.
‘The Peamen’
The mum said this was the most famous scam that has been going on for years in Benidorm and despite being so well known, she said people still fall for it.
It involves a man hiding a pea under a cup, moving the cups around, and then encouraging you to bet on which one contains the pea.
A couple (who are playing and in on the scam) win and because you can see where it is you then take a risk. According to Michelle, you will then win the first round before losing the rest.
She added: “They won’t let you get away until you’re skint and you’ll find it very intimidating and scary… just walk on by.”
‘Mugger Huggers’
This one targets men, and involves an attractive woman walking up to you and asking whether she knows you, before extending her arms out for a hug.
If you hug her back, she will have your phone and wallet in a flash, and you will often not notice until she is gone.
Michelle said there was an extended version to this sinister scam depending on how drunk you are where the woman will offer to come back to your room.
“She’ll drug you and clear you out of everything of any value and you won’t be the first or the last,” Michelle added.
Michelle has lived in Benidorm for most of her life and said she was always willing to share the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly.
However, in a message to Brits flying over this summer, she added: “I don’t want to scare you as Benidorm is really very safe.”
She added that people on holiday often let their guard down and it was better to be aware of the above scams before the holiday even begins.