British tourists heading to the Canary Islands are warned of suspected fraud, saying the victims added up the six-figure total to them. Almost 70 people have been affected in Yaiza in Lanzaroth.
The scam included a travel agent accused of selling fake air tickets. Local media reports that at least 68 people have been confirmed to book with the money paid for holidays and travel. However, tickets for their flight did not arrive.
Last week, 12 of the affected people took them to the streets of Lanazaroth to protest. According to Radio Television Canary, the victims were kicked out of 100,000 euros in total.
After asking the travel agent for information, the victim was not responded. When they visited the office, they say the furniture was removed and the agency was closed.
Canarian Weekly reports that the agency's social media accounts have been deactivated. The associated airline also confirmed that no reservations were made on behalf of affected travelers.
The agent's owner is currently on a warrant for arrest and sent a message to a client who claims he is bankrupt and cannot refund his money.
Spanish Civil Security has launched a nationwide manhunt investigation of suspects.
What should I do if I think I'm being scamed overseas?
Foreign, federal and development agencies (FCDOs) have received clear advice to British tourists and visitors who are afraid of becoming victims of crimes, including fraud abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “If you are afraid of immediate help or your safety, you should contact the emergency services in the country you are in.
“In most countries, if you wish to investigate, you must report the crime to the police before leaving the country, and you may also need to report the crime to claim travel insurance.
“If you travel abroad with a tour operator, you will need to contact us for support, for example, if you are hospitalized, your property is stolen, or your accommodation has been broken into. You can also arrange to support someone through the crime reporting process.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can assist victims of crime in other countries when contacting the UK embassy in that country. You can help tourists:
Understand medical care of English-speaking lawyers or translators or interpreters who understand local police practices and basic legal systems, or English-speaking doctors.
However, FCDO is unable to gather legal advice or evidence. We will not investigate crimes, affect the outcome of investigations or trials, receive financial support, or accept lost or recovered stolen property except for your passport or driver's license.
In the UK, contact FCDO 24/7 on 020 7008 5000. There are two British embassies in the Canary Islands. One is Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the other is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
What should I do if my belongings are stolen?
If your property, money, passport, or bank card is stolen while traveling, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will encourage you to report it to your local police station as soon as possible. Ask the police for a statement regarding the loss or crime report required for your insurance claim.
If your bank card has been stolen, contact the card issuer and notify you immediately. Your bank may be able to help you withdraw money from the ATM without a card.
If you lose your passport or it's stolen, you should immediately report it to the government. You can apply for emergency travel documents overseas with FCDO and will not be able to obtain a replacement passport in time for your planned trip.
