British tourists heading to the Canary Islands have been warned of a suspected scam that alleged victims say has cost them a combined six-figure sum. Almost 70 people have been affected in Yaiza, Lanzarote.
The scam involved a travel agency that is accused of selling fake airline tickets. Local media has reported that at least 68 people paid for holidays or trips and received confirmation of their booking. But the tickets for their flights never arrived.
Last week, 12 of those affected took to the streets of Lanazarote to protest. According to Radio Television Canaria, the victims were conned out of a combined €100,000.
After asking the travel agency for information, the victims received no response. When they visited the office, they say that furniture had been removed and the agency had closed.
Canarian Weekly reports that the agency's social media accounts have been deactivated. The relevant airlines also confirmed that no reservations on behalf of the affected travellers had been made.
The owner of the agency is now the subject of of an arrest warrant, having sent a message to the customers claiming he was bankrupt and unable to refund the money.
Spain's Civil Guard have launched an investigation and a nationwide manhunt for the suspect.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has clear advice for British tourists and visitors who fear they have fallen victim to crime, including scams, while abroad. The Foreign Office says: "If you need immediate help, or fear for your safety, you should contact the emergency services in the country you're in.
"In most countries, you must report the crime to the police before you leave the country if you want it to be investigated. You might also need to report the crime to make a claim on your travel insurance.
"If you travelled abroad with a tour operator you should contact them for support, for example if you've been hospitalised or had possessions stolen or your accommodation broken into. They may also be able to arrange for someone to support you through the process of reporting the crime."
The Foreign Office is able to assist victims of crime in other countries if they contact the British embassy in that nation. It can help tourists:
However, the FCDO cannot give legal advice or collect evidence. It does not investigate crimes, influence the outcome of an investigation or trial, give financial help or accept lost or recovered stolen property except passports and driving licences.
In the UK you can contact the FCDO for help and advice 24/7 on 020 7008 5000. There are two British embassies in the Canary Islands - one in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and another in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
If your property, money, passport or bank cards have been stolen while travelling, the Foreign Office advises you to report it to the local police station as soon as possible. Ask the police for a statement about the loss or a crime report, which may be needed for an insurance claim.
If your bank cards have been stolen, contact the card issuer to inform them immediately. Your bank may be able to help you withdraw money from an ATM without the card.
If you have lost your passport, or if it is stolen, you must report this to the Government immediately. You can apply to the FCDO for an emergency travel document if you're abroad and cannot get a replacement passport in time for your planned travel.
