Brits heading to Spain have been warned to watch out for scammers’ new trick with a 50-euro note. (Image: Getty)
Tourists and residents in , including the Balearic and , are being urged to stay vigilant amid a rapidly spreading scam. According to Spanish police, shoppers in particular are being targeted using counterfeit 50- banknotes to lure unsuspecting victims.
The scam is most often reported in shopping centre car parks and busy city streets. The scammers place a fake banknote under the windscreen wiper of a parked car. When the driver returns, they are likely to step out of the car to check it. At this point, the make their move on the victims.
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In seconds, valuables including handbags, mobile phones and even the car itself can be stolen. (Image: Getty)
In seconds, valuables including handbags, mobile phones and even the car itself can be stolen – as the car keys are left in the ignition.
While this scheme has been reported in the past, Spanish police have noted that there has been a concerning increase in cases in recent months, reported.
Authorities are urging drivers to remain cautious and to think carefully before reacting to anything unusual placed on their vehicle – and certainly do not rush to remove any euro notes.
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Drivers are being urged to drive to a safe location such as a police station before investigating. (Image: Getty)
Instead, they should remain inside the vehicle, lock the doors and drive to a safe location, such as a police station or a well-populated area, before investigating further.
They also recommend not leaving any valuables such as phones, wallets or handbags inside a car that is a prime target for thieves.
Another favourite trick used by criminals in Spain is to stop drivers and tell them they have a flat type, which also prompts the driver to get out to check their vehicle.