{"id":120763,"date":"2023-11-05T04:19:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-05T04:19:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yourclomid.com\/?p=120763"},"modified":"2023-11-05T04:19:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T04:19:15","slug":"i-got-scammed-in-spain-but-you-can-avoid-my-rookie-mistake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourclomid.com\/travel\/i-got-scammed-in-spain-but-you-can-avoid-my-rookie-mistake\/","title":{"rendered":"‘I got scammed in Spain – but you can avoid my rookie mistake’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Many Britons will be travelling abroad over the Christmas period for some sun, sea and sand. But if you’re booking a holiday, make sure you are vigilant against holiday fraud.<\/p>\n

Travel enthusiast Lucia Polla told Express.co.uk how she fell for a travel scam on a beautiful Spanish break.<\/p>\n

She said: “Well, I learned the hard way recently not to let my excitement get the best of me while traveling. I was in Seville, taking in the sunshine and gorgeous sights, feeling pretty confident navigating this new place.<\/p>\n

“This local approached me, going on about some ‘once in a lifetime’ secret flamenco show off the beaten path. He even had flyers on hand and gave me one but I was all over the place and didn’t even pay attention.<\/p>\n

“Now that really got my attention – I’d been dying to see some authentic flamenco! He made it sound so amazing and really worth my time – ‘super cheap’ he said on and on.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> ‘I got a free flight upgrade for a ridiculous reason – but I don’t recommend it’<\/strong><\/p>\n

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“I just got caught up in the moment I guess. Before I knew it, I was forking over cash for this supposed exclusive tour. What a rookie mistake!”<\/p>\n

But sadly Lucia was not about to see a glorious flamenco show, she had been well and truly duped.<\/p>\n

She continued: “When I got to the address, it was just an empty street, I sought for information on the flyer. It said 2013! I’d been completely duped.<\/p>\n

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“I obviously got ahead of myself there, I should’ve noticed the red flags. The guy was clearly using a lot of sales pressure, the papers convinced me it was legit, and the pressure towards money – well I assumed he just really wanted people in the locale.<\/p>\n

“There are a lot of people working outside the bars in Spain offering drinks in the restaurants and calling you in. But I let the thought of this incredible, genuine experience cloud my judgement.”<\/p>\n

So how can Express.co.uk readers avoid getting scammed on their travels? You can still enjoy your trips abroad, just make sure you’re careful and cautious.<\/p>\n