A strange new beach scam is catching some tourists off guard on the Costa Blanca — especially in busy resort areas like Benidorm and other popular seaside destinations.
According to warnings shared online and reports from tourists on social media, some scammers are pretending to be official beach staff and charging visitors for sunbeds and parasols… before disappearing with the money.
And honestly, the scam is surprisingly simple.
How the Scam Works
You arrive at the beach, pick your sunbeds, settle in, and a person approaches you looking official enough to avoid suspicion.
Usually they:
- carry a clipboard or small payment machine
- walk confidently between the sunbeds
- speak enough English to handle tourists
- ask for cash payment upfront
Most visitors naturally assume they work for the beach service.
The problem?
Around 20 or 30 minutes later, the actual beach staff may arrive asking for payment again — and suddenly nobody knows where “the first guy” went.
Unfortunately, by then the money is often long gone.
Why Tourists Fall for It
In busy tourist resorts, beach staff constantly move around collecting payments, arranging parasols, and helping visitors.
So unless you regularly visit Spanish beaches, it can be difficult to tell who is legitimate and who is simply acting the part.
And let’s be honest: if someone has a clipboard, a confident walk, and looks slightly sunburnt, most people immediately assume authority.
Apparently that’s now enough qualification for temporary employment on some beaches.
Where Could This Happen?
So far, these types of warnings have mainly circulated online in connection with crowded tourist beaches in places such as:
- Benidorm
- Alicante
- Torrevieja
- other busy Costa Blanca resort areas during peak season
There is no need to panic — most beach services operate perfectly normally — but it is another reminder that tourist hotspots naturally attract opportunists during summer.
How to Avoid the Scam
Thankfully, avoiding this type of scam is fairly easy if you stay alert.
✅ Always Ask for a Ticket or Receipt
Official beach staff usually provide some form of receipt, ticket, or proof of payment.
If somebody takes cash and offers nothing back, that should immediately raise suspicion.
✅ Check for Identification
Real beach workers often wear:
- uniforms
- badges
- branded shirts
- official ID cards
If someone looks vague, rushed, or avoids questions, trust your instincts.
✅ Be Careful With Cash Payments
Cash is convenient on the beach — and scammers know it.
If possible, ask whether card payment is available or confirm prices before handing over money.
✅ Observe Other Beachgoers
A quick glance around can help.
If the same person is collecting payments from everyone nearby and appears to work alongside other staff, that’s reassuring.
If they suddenly vanish into the distance like a low-budget magician… maybe not so much.
What Should You Do If It Happens?
If you think you’ve been scammed:
- explain the situation calmly to the real beach staff
- report the incident to local police if necessary
- avoid aggressive confrontations
- warn nearby tourists
In many cases the amount lost is relatively small, but the frustration is understandable — especially during a holiday.
A Reminder for Summer Travellers
Costa Blanca remains one of the safest and most enjoyable holiday regions in Spain, and millions of tourists visit every year without problems.
Still, small tourist scams can happen anywhere large crowds gather.
A little attention, a quick check for identification, and asking for a receipt can save you from funding somebody’s evening beers and questionable life choices.
Because apparently in some tourist resorts, confidence is now a full-time profession.
Leave a Reply