Police in Benidorm, Spain, have released a statement following the arrest of a 50-year-old man from Iceland for reportedly failing to settle bills at local establishments. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, is said to have spent nearly £1,300 over a span of 10 days in the popular tourist destination.
Authorities stated that the outstanding amount totaled around €1,500 (£1,285) during the period in question, leading to the man’s apprehension on suspicion of fraudulent activities. The exact number of venues visited by the individual before his arrest has not been disclosed.
In an Instagram post, the Local Police humorously warned against attempting to enjoy a holiday by evading payment obligations, emphasizing the consequences of such actions. The police quipped about the man’s brief stay and lack of financial settlement, highlighting his arrest for alleged fraud.
A police spokesperson informed EFE, a Spanish news agency, that the man had attracted attention at multiple locations before being taken into custody. Benidorm, like many other popular destinations, faces risks from scammers, prompting seasoned residents to offer advice on safeguarding against deceptive practices.
A long-term British resident in Benidorm recently raised concerns about a new scam emerging in the city. Through a TikTok video, the man named Frank shared insights on an ongoing scheme where individuals approach pedestrians with clipboards, requesting signatures and donations under false pretenses.
Frank cautioned viewers about the illicit nature of these activities, urging vigilance against potential monetary losses. Following his video, the Mirror reported appreciative comments from viewers who acknowledged the prevalence of such scams and thanked Frank for raising awareness.