Spanish police just issued a cold summer warning

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Holiday Horror Scam Warning: Why you can soak in hot water by sending your ID. The outline of the house as the concept of real estate and the term fraud. Credit: Vitalii Vodolazskyi, Shutterstock.

The sun, the sand…and the scam? Spanish authorities have warned holiday makers. “This is something you should do if you are asked for your ID on a holiday rental.”

Millions of people from the UK, Spain and other Europe packed trunks and hugged themselves for toddlers screaming high prices on the beach, Guardia citizens issued Summer Summer warnings. It’s not about sunburn.

In July this year, Spanish national police begged that when booking their dream vacation, they should consider their holiday twice before handing them a photo of their ID. why? The trend of online scammers is turning your humble ID into their bread and butter, so steal your identity, drain your bank account and leave you dry high and dry without a villa or refund.

Beach Trap: Is it too good to be true?

It all starts innocently. Scrolling through the rental list, including a dreamy balcony, an infinity pool, and, although not very good, not true, but questionably decent prices. The “owner” will send a message directly and ask for a copy of the ID “to confirm the reservation.”

Sounds legitimate, doesn’t it?

Probably not. According to Guardia Civil, it is a classic ploy. “Many lists are just bait,” they warned in a breaking news release released on July 8, 2025.

When criminals have your ID, they can do more than just With you Your holiday deposits. With just a DNI photo, the scammer can do:

Open a bank account in your name
Commit fraudulent purchases
Use to reserve other fake properties your Identity
Get away you It’s the responsibility when the victim knocks

And the worst part? You may not notice until the debt collector begins dialing.

Don’t be stabbed before you hit solar

Before you whip your wallet, before snapping a selfie with your ID, Guardia Civil say you need In Wise It slows down. Their 5-point travel survival guide can save your holidays and your money:

Check the list: Are they on a verified platform? Isn’t the price really true? It disappeared after a few hours and dodged the bullet.
Trust your gut: “urgent” deals and dramatic deadlines are classic pressure tactics used by con artists to act and think you quickly and slowly.
Keep encrypted: Only share your ID over a secure, encrypted channel. Do not send via WhatsApp or an open messaging app. Edit the photo and turn the key information black Like date of expiry.
Pay Smart: Always pay the rental platform itself. Avoid bank transfers, Visams, or “Friends and Family” payment links. When the pushes are protruding, they are traceable like a hurricane paper plane.
Have you been scamed? Counterattack: Save all – Messages, payment receipts, screenshots. You then run, walk to the nearest police station or cybercrime reporting centre.

Spain’s identity theft

Identity theft in Spain isn’t worse than anywhere else in Europe or the US, but it’s happening, and many platforms are flooded with fraudulent ads waiting to hook unsuspecting victims.

This isn’t just about the Spanish issue either. Foreign vacationers, including Brits, are also increasingly being targeted. When your ID goes out with Wild, it’s not the ruined break you’re facing. It’s a few months of legal battles, financial turmoil, soul-shattering manager.

So, before you jump straight into a blissful booking, remember this simple rule. Treat your ID like money.