Holidaymakers travelling to Spain have been issued a warning over a 'two euro' scam currently circulating in the country.
According to Spain's Guardia Civil, fraudsters are switching out euros for foreign coins which look similar, but are worth much less. They have asked tourists to check all of the coins that they receive carefully to ensure that it is the European currency.
One example of a coin which could catch holidaymakers out is a Turkish lira which looks similar to a two euro piece. However, despite their similar appearance, a two euro coin is worth much more than a lira.
Both have a gold centre and a silver coloured outer ring. But with a value of just 32 cents - or 30p - a lira is worth a fraction of the two euro coin which is worth around £1.74 in sterling, reports The Express.
Holidaymakers should ensure that coins clearly state the value on the front and show a picture of a Spanish figure on the back. The Turkish coin will instead show the face of Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the back. There will be a half moon and a star on the front above the value.
Travellers have also been warned that they may face scams when entering Europe in the near future. The EU visa waiver which is set to be launched in November 2023 could see travellers targeted by scammers engaging in " abusive practices ".
This could include adding extra fees which are not actually required such as document checks or fast-tracking services. The official visa waiver should be available online and will cost just €7 - or around £6.
Guy Hobbs, Which? Travel expert, said: "The European Commission has promised that the vast majority of travellers will receive their Etias visa waiver within minutes, so travellers should be very wary of third-party sites promising to fast-track applications for a fee."
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