Spanish Police just issued a chilling summer warning

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The beach trap: too good to be true?Don’t get stung before you hit the sun Identity theft in Spain Final word: No ID, no cry?

Holiday horror scam warning: why sending your ID could land you in hot water.

House outline as a real estate concept and the words scam.

Credit: Vitalii Vodolazskyi, Shutterstock.

Sun, sand… and scams? Spanish authorities have warned holidaymakers – ‘this is what you should do if you’re asked for your ID by a holiday rental.’

As millions across the UK, Spain, and the rest of Europe pack their trunks and brace themselves for overpriced sangrias and screaming toddlers on the beach, the Guardia Civil has issued a scorching summer warning – and it’s not about sunburn.

This July, Spain’s national police force is begging holidaymakers to think twice before handing over a photo of their ID when booking that dream getaway. Why? Because a rising tide of online fraudsters are turning your humble ID into their bread and butter – to steal your identity, drain your bank account, and leave you high and dry without a villa or a refund.

The beach trap: too good to be true?

It all starts innocently enough. You’re scrolling through rental listings – dreamy balconies, infinity pools, and prices that seem, well, not too good to be true, but suspiciously decent. The “owner” messages you directly and asks for a copy of your ID “to confirm the booking”.

Sounds legit, right?

Maybe not. According to the Guardia Civil, it’s a classic ruse. ‘Many listings are nothing more than bait,’ they warn, in a bulletin released on July 8, 2025.

Once the criminals have your ID, they can do far more than just ghost you and your holiday deposit. With just a photo of your DNI, scammers can:

Open bank accounts in your name
Commit fraudulent purchases
Book other fake properties using your identity
Leave you with the blame when the victims come knocking

And the worst part? You might not even realise until debt collectors start dialling.

Don’t get stung before you hit the sun

Before you whip out your wallet or snap a selfie with your ID, the Guardia Civil says you need to wise up and slow down. Their five-point travel survival guide could save your holiday – and your money:

Check the listing: Is it on a verified platform? Is the price too good to be true? If it vanishes after a few hours – you’ve just dodged a bullet.
Trust your gut: “Urgent” deals and dramatic deadlines are classic pressure tactics used by scammers to make you act fast and think slow.
Keep it encrypted: Only share your ID through secure, encrypted channels. Never send it via WhatsApp or open messaging apps. Edit the picture to black out key information like the expiry date.
Pay smart: Always pay through the rental platform itself. Avoid bank transfers, Bizum, or any “friend and family” payment links – when push comes to shove, they’re as traceable as a paper plane in a hurricane.
Got scammed? Fight back: Save everything – messages, payment receipts, screenshots. Then run, don’t walk, to your nearest police station or cybercrime reporting centre.

Identity theft in Spain

Identity theft in Spain is no worse than anywhere else in Europe or the US, but it does happen, and many platforms are flooded with scam adverts waiting to hook unsuspecting victims.

This isn’t just a Spanish issue either – foreign holidaymakers, including Brits, are increasingly being targeted, too. Once your ID’s out in the wild, it’s not just a ruined break you’re facing. It’s months of legal battles, financial chaos, and soul-crushing admin.

So before you dive headfirst into booking bliss, remember this simple rule: treat your ID like gold, because it is.