Top 10 Scams in Barcelona - Avoiding travel scams

As one of Spain’s top tourist destinations, Barcelona attracts millions of visitors each year. While most encounters in the city are pleasant, tourists should be aware of some common scams perpetrated against unaware visitors.

1. Football ticket scam

• Spot: You find an online listing for football tickets at low prices. But the seller takes your money without sending valid tickets.

• React: Only buy tickets from authorized sellers. Report scam attempts to the police.

• Avoid: Use official team/venue websites for guaranteed authentic tickets.

2. Overcharging on food/drinks

• Spot: Menu prices suddenly jump when you get the bill, and extras are added without consent.

• React: Politely insist on being charged the agreed-upon price. Pay what you ordered, not more.

• Avoid: Confirm prices in writing first. Count change carefully when paying cash.

3. Rigged games

• Spot: Games on the street seem easy to win, drawing in tourists. The games are rigged against you.

• React: Do not pay up if you lose a rigged game. Walk away and ignore demands for payment.

• Avoid: Do not play games offered on the street. They always favor the operator.

4. Fake petitions

• Spot: People with clipboards approach you to sign a petition for a good cause. You’re then pressured to donate.

• React: Decline to sign or donate. Do not engage with petitioners.

• Avoid: Be skeptical of street petitions. Many are fronts for extortion.

5. Taxi meter scams

• Spot: Cab drivers take longer routes, lie about fees, claim meter is broken, etc. to overcharge.

• React: Insist on using the meter. Pay only metered fare, then take cab number to file a complaint.

• Avoid: Confirm fees upfront. Use official taxi stands instead of hailing one.

6. Fake police

• Spot: Imposters dressed as police stop you and demand to see your wallet for ID/money.

• React: Ask for verification, then insist on going to the nearest police station.

• Avoid: Real police won’t ever demand to take your wallet on the street.

7. SMS scams

• Spot: You get a text claiming to be from a delivery company with a link to a fake site to steal your details.

• React: Do not click any links. Call the company directly to verify.

• Avoid: Be cautious of unsolicited messages with links from unknown numbers.

8. Friendship bracelets

• Spot: Vendors tie a “free” bracelet on your wrist, then demand payment. Refusal leads to threats.

• React: Do not pay. Remove the bracelet and walk away. Alert police if threatened.

• Avoid: Do not engage with sellers putting items on you unsolicited.

9. Counterfeit goods

• Spot: Street vendors sell luxury/designer items at impossibly cheap prices. The goods are knock-offs.

• React: Decline purchase. Real luxury goods are only sold through authorized dealers.

• Avoid: Do not buy brand name items sold freely on the street.

10. Money drop

• Spot: A passerby drops money in front of you, then accuses you of theft when you try to return it.

• React: Ignore any dropped money and keep walking. Do not attempt to return it.

• Avoid: Be wary of any deliberate money drops, as they are bait for a scam.

How to get help

If you find yourself in a scam-related situation, seek assistance from the following resources:

• Spanish National Police: +34902102112
• Tourist Information Offices
• Your Embassy/Consulate

Share your true scam stories with ScamWatch360.org to help others avoid falling victim. Check out our other scam guides.

Watch this video to get info about other scams that happens in Barcelona.

Exploring Barcelona should be a delightful experience filled with culture, history, and memories. By staying informed about common scams in Barcelona and following the tips provided, you can protect yourself and ensure your time in this captivating city remains safe and enjoyable. Remember, awareness goes a long way in safeguarding yourself from scams and fraudulent activities.