(Image: Shared Content Unit)
UK tourists in Tenerife warned ‘be careful’ over security risk
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsUK holidaymakers in Tenerife are being warned of a scam which is targeting tourists. The scam, which sees criminals snatch mobile phones off people after pretending to ask for directions, has been reported around Playa de las Américas, one of the most popular tourist areas on the island.
It’s especially common along Veronica’s Strip, a well-known nightlife spot, local news site Canarian Weekly reports. The issue has been highlighted by a British expat on TikTok, known as @seb_tenerife.
It involves criminals coming up to people and asking to use their Google Maps, usually saying they’ve lost their own device. Once the victim has unlocked their phone, the criminals snatch it and run off. Now it appears the scam is affecting tourists in the Canary Islands.
READ MORE: UK tourists warned of rise of ‘cockroaches, rats and bedbugs’ in Canary Islands
In a video which has amassed more than 17,000 views, Seb warns visitors to “be careful and watch your belongings”. He said: “Like anywhere that’s a holiday destination, there’s a bit of crime and you’ve just got to be wary, you’ve got to be wary of your belongings, so please do be careful…Las Americas does seem to be the spot where it’s all happening, especially down Veronicas.”
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: "Just be careful, watch your belongings, and you’ll be absolutely sound."
Previously an expat in Benidorm warned that the scam was rife in the resort. TikTok user @frankthestagmanofficial said it was a “big problem” at the popular Spanish holiday destination. He urged Brits not to help people who ask for directions.
He said: “Be warned, if someone comes up to you and says to you, for example, I can’t find my hotel, do not get your phone out and do not help them.” He added that the best thing to do is “keep your phone in your pocket and keep it locked…if you don't need it don't use it.”