Vacation horror rip-off warning: why sending your ID might land you in sizzling water.
Home define as an actual property idea and the phrases rip-off.
Credit score: Vitalii Vodolazskyi, Shutterstock.
Solar, sand… and scams? Spanish authorities have warned holidaymakers – ‘that is what you need to do if you happen to’re requested on your ID by a vacation rental.’
As thousands and thousands throughout the UK, Spain, and the remainder of Europe pack their trunks and brace themselves for overpriced sangrias and screaming toddlers on the seaside, the Guardia Civil has issued a scorching summer time warning – and it’s not about sunburn.
This July, Spain’s nationwide police pressure is begging holidaymakers to assume twice earlier than handing over a photograph of their ID when reserving that dream getaway. Why? As a result of a rising tide of on-line fraudsters are turning your humble ID into their bread and butter – to steal your identification, drain your checking account, and depart you excessive and dry with no villa or a refund.
The seaside lure: too good to be true?
All of it begins innocently sufficient. You’re scrolling via rental listings – dreamy balconies, infinity swimming pools, and costs that appear, properly, not too good to be true, however suspiciously first rate. The “proprietor” messages you straight and asks for a replica of your ID “to verify the reserving”.
Sounds legit, proper?
Perhaps not. In accordance with the Guardia Civil, it’s a basic ruse. ‘Many listings are nothing greater than bait,’ they warn, in a bulletin launched on July 8, 2025.
As soon as the criminals have your ID, they’ll do way over simply ghost you and your vacation deposit. With only a picture of your DNI, scammers can:
- Open financial institution accounts in your title
- Commit fraudulent purchases
- E book different faux properties utilizing your identification
- Go away you with the blame when the victims come knocking
And the worst half? You may not even realise till debt collectors begin dialling.
Don’t get stung earlier than you hit the solar
Earlier than you whip out your pockets or snap a selfie together with your ID, the Guardia Civil says you want to sensible up and decelerate. Their five-point journey survival information might save your vacation – and your cash:
- Test the itemizing: Is it on a verified platform? Is the value too good to be true? If it vanishes after a couple of hours – you’ve simply dodged a bullet.
- Belief your intestine: “Pressing” offers and dramatic deadlines are basic strain techniques utilized by scammers to make you act quick and assume gradual.
- Hold it encrypted: Solely share your ID via safe, encrypted channels. By no means ship it through WhatsApp or open messaging apps. Edit the image to black out key info like the expiry date.
- Pay good: At all times pay via the rental platform itself. Keep away from financial institution transfers, Bizum, or any “pal and household” cost hyperlinks – when push involves shove, they’re as traceable as a paper airplane in a hurricane.
- Acquired scammed? Struggle again: Save every thing – messages, cost receipts, screenshots. Then run, don’t stroll, to your nearest police station or cybercrime reporting centre.
Id theft in Spain
Id theft in Spain is not any worse than wherever else in Europe or the US, but it surely does occur, and plenty of platforms are flooded with rip-off adverts ready to hook unsuspecting victims.
This isn’t only a Spanish problem both – overseas holidaymakers, together with Brits, are more and more being focused, too. As soon as your ID’s out within the wild, it’s not only a ruined break you’re dealing with. It’s months of authorized battles, monetary chaos, and soul-crushing admin.
So earlier than you dive headfirst into reserving bliss, keep in mind this easy rule: deal with your ID like gold, as a result of it’s.
Closing phrase: No ID, no cry?
The Guardia Civil places it bluntly: ‘If in any doubt in any way, ask us or the platform earlier than freely giving private information or cash.’
As a result of the one factor worse than sand in your footwear…
…is fraud in your title.
Extra Spanish dwelling information.
Extra information in English from round Spain.