The Foreign Office have issued a warning to tourists in Spain about a police officer scam that could see holidaymakers lose their money - and identity.
The ministry details that you must provide photo ID to a police officer if asked. However, in their safety and security page under the crime section, the Foreign Office warns that some scammers posing as officer may as to see your wallet when asking for ID.
If they are genuine police officers, they won't need to do this. They caution: "Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification. Genuine police officers will ask to see ID, but will not ask for wallets or purses."
The warning comes ahead of the holiday season with tourists urged to stay vigilant. But what should you actually expect if you are being stopped for identification purposes?
In their 'laws and cultural differences' section talking about 'Personal ID', the Foreign Office says you must provide photo ID to a police officer.
They say: "This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity."
If you chose to ignore this, it can be classed as 'disobedience' which is a criminal offence.
In addition to this, if you are staying for the holidays, hotels, tourist accommodation and car rental companies have a legal duty to register your passport details when you check-in or collect your rental vehicle.
When checking in, the Foreign Office advises to wait until they have taken your details - and "do not" leave your passport at reception to collect later.
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