An informational post to help you remain aware of scams, pickpockets, and things to look out for. First of all, we feel this is a very safe area to live and rarely hear of any crime. However, every once in a while we do hear of something and thought we would share the information with you. Scammers are everywhere in cities big and small, so we hope this helps to keep you informed and to be on the lookout for these things.
We are not a replacement for reporting to the Guardia Civil, nor are we a “breaking news” website. We provide useful information about the area for those living here or visiting.
Unfortunately there are scammers just about everywhere. We need to do our best to stay informed and aware of our surroundings. It should go without saying, but always keep your valuables tucked away, where they are not easily accessible by a scammer or pick pocket.
Table of Contents
The Clipboard Cons / Sign a Petition (La Herradura) – April 2021
Incident: In La Herradura a well dressed 30ish yr old Eastern European looking girl tried to steal my watch whilst trying to get me to sign a petition for the handicapped. When challenged she ran off.
Caution: So be careful out there and keep an eye out to see if they have an accomplice or someone bumping into you for distraction.
The Helpful Stranger (Pickpockets) – February 2020
Incident: This incident occurred on a Thursday morning. A man (the victim) was walking along the Paseo del Altillo, near the tourist information kiosk. From behind a man (the scammer) splashed a disgusting liquid on him that resembled vomit or bird poop. He turned to confront the man from behind and the scammer said it wasn’t him, it was a bird.
Conveniently, the very friendly and helpful “scammer” had a pack of tissues, a bottle of water, and spoke English. He proceeded to suggest they walk towards more secluded restaurants to get water and help clean the disgusting liquid off of the victim. As the scammer helped wipe off the liquid, he was secretly slipping into the pockets of the victim. He was able to pull the money from the wallet and replace the emptied wallet back in the victim’s pocket, without it being noticed. It wasn’t until later in the day that it was realized the money was missing when he went to spend the money.
Caution: This was reported to the Guardia Civil and apparently this is not an uncommon scam in Almunecar particularly in Majuelo Park. Please be aware of any “helpful strangers” getting too close or making bodily contact. Keep your valuables well hidden and close to you.
Valuables Exposed – January 2018
Incident: A couple was dining at a restaurant, sitting at an outdoor table. They had their mobile phone sitting on top of the table. A lady approached them begging for food/money. Later it was realized the phone was gone from the table.
Caution: Please keep valuables tucked away, so they are not ripe for the picking. If you decide to have your phone or valuables on a restaurant table, keep your hand on them when someone approaches.
Popular Scams
General Safety Tips
- ATM – When you visit an ATM to get out cash. Don’t display the money withdrawn, and put it away immediately at the ATM, before walking away. And be on the lookout for people watching your activities.
- Be aware in crowded areas and keep your valuables close to you or hidden at all times. (Feria & Festival celebrations, busy markets and the like)
How To Report A Crime
AlertCops – Spain’s Official Police Emergency App (multi-lingual)
AlertCops is the official mobile safety app developed by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, allowing residents and visitors to communicate quickly and discreetly with the National Police and Guardia Civil. The free app provides direct access to citizen security and emergency services across Spain, making it especially useful for tourists, expats, and non-Spanish speakers living in places like Almuñécar. Through the app, users can report incidents, request assistance, or chat directly with police services while automatically sharing their location, helping authorities respond faster in an emergency.
One of the most important features is the SOS button, which sends an immediate alert with your location and a short audio recording to emergency services or trusted contacts. The app also allows you to share your live location with family or friends, receive local safety notifications, and communicate with police using an integrated chat that includes translation in more than 100 languages — making it particularly helpful for foreign residents and visitors in Spain. AlertCops is free to download on iOS and Android and is designed as an additional safety tool alongside Spain’s standard emergency number (112).
