Holiday scams in Spain to avoid this summer

This is the real cost of a good deal in 2025. Spain’s summer tourism is booming. A trend is spreading behind the scenes, and scams are targeting holidaymakers. These scams are not rare; it’s more about them than us. More people book holidays online, and cybercriminals are adapting old tricks into new ones that appear legitimate.

From ghost listings and fake Bizum requests, to distraction thefts. Here is how summer scams actually work in 2025 and the steps you can take to outsmart them before they ruin your holiday.

The rental that never was

One of the most common scams that is affecting visitors in Spain this summer of 2025 involves fraudulent accommodation listings. These listings will appear on social media and even clone versions of legitimate platforms, such as Airbnb.

In many cases, the listing looks professional, complete with reviews and photos, but once the payment is made outside the official platform, that contact disappears. So here’s what to watch out for: 

• Prices were well below average for the area or season.
• Requests to move the conversation to WhatsApp or email.
• Payment outside the app (e.g. Bizum, bank transfer, PayPal “Friends & Family”).
• Urgency tactics, like “one room left” or “another guest is about to book”.

How to avoid it

• Book through trusted platforms only — never pay off-platform
• Double-check the listing on Google Maps and reverse image search photos
• Avoid sending any personal documents like your passport or ID over messaging apps

Parcel delivery scams and QR code traps

Some travellers return mid-holiday to find the package they didn’t order waiting at their door. Others would receive a message mid-trip about the failed delivery. Both are part of a growing scam trend in Spain where fake deliveries are being used to extract money or personal data. 

What to watch for

• Packages with no sender information are often delivered while you’re away.
• Texts or emails claiming a failed delivery, with links or QR codes.
• Requests for small payments (under €5) to “release” the parcel.
• Fake courier branding that mimics companies like Correos or DHL.

How to avoid it

• Never scan QR codes from unsolicited messages or unlabelled parcels
• If you weren’t expecting a delivery, contact the courier company directly using their official website
• Ask a neighbour to check the post while you’re travelling to avoid missing important alerts or falling for suspicious drops

Survey scams 

There are types of scams that involve checking into a Hotel, logging on to the Wi-Fi, and then receiving a survey with a compensation of a € 100 voucher. It appears official, with a logo, but it didn’t originate from the hotel, and it doesn’t include a voucher. 

• These scams mimic the branding of hotels, airlines, and even the Spanish government, offering rewards in exchange for personal data. 
• Just a slow leak of your privacy and sometimes your money.

To avoid a survey or prize offer that didn’t come directly from the provider you booked with, simply ignore it. Don’t click links or scan QR codes in public posters until you’ve confirmed that they’re legitimate. Never share details about a gift card. 

Digital payments

Mobile payments are a routine part of travel in Spain. Bizum is an instant transfer application that links to most Spanish banks and is extremely popular. And this version of a scam begins with receiving a notification that someone has sent you a Bizum, but when you open the application. It’s actually a payment request.

• So accepting it means the money leaves your account. 
• In busy moments, while you’re checking into a flat or even confirming a booking. 

 A scammer also pretends to be from your bank, asking you to verify a charge by clicking a link, claiming to represent the DGT, the Spanish traffic Authority or police, inventing fines to pressure immediate payment.

• Bizum only works with your approval; never accept transfers unless you initiate them.
• Banks, police, and government agencies do not send payment links via SMS or WhatsApp.
• If in doubt, hang up, ignore the message, and contact your bank directly.

Stay sharp, travel better.

Most people who visit Spain go home with nothing worse than a sunburn and an overweight suitcase. However, scams don’t always appear to be a crime; they often present themselves as a good deal, a friendly face, and even a familiar logo. 

In 2025, they’ve adapted to match how we travel, fast, digital, and trusting. So the next time you book your flights, it’s kind of your money, or even check your Bizum balance, hesitation is your best protection