Barcelona Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Mossos d'Esquadra — Tourist Attention
  +34 93 306 23 00
  Nou de la Rambla 76-80 — 24/7 tourist unit with interpreters
• Online denuncia
  https://denuncias.policia.es
  File in English within 72 hours — needed for insurance claims

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 112 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Mossos d'Esquadra — Tourist Attention on +34 93 306 23 00 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/barcelona

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. La Rambla pickpocket teams
   Coordinated 3–6 person teams work every 200m of La Rambla around the clock.
   Avoid: Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Zero cash or cards in outer pockets.
   If it happens: Shout 'Ladrón!' loudly — locals often step in.
2. 2. Metro L3 door thieves
   Thieves grab phones and bags as the doors close and jump out — you cannot follow.
   Avoid: Stand away from doors when the train stops.
   If it happens: Note the station and time — L3 has CCTV that helps recovery.
3. 3. 'Football shirt' bear hug
   Men in Barça or foreign football shirts hug you in celebration — one hugs, one steals.
   Avoid: Do not accept hugs from strangers, even in celebration.
   If it happens: Check pockets immediately. Shout for police.
4. 4. Beach bag snatch (Barceloneta)
   Thieves 'swim' up or crawl low on the sand and take unattended bags in seconds.
   Avoid: Never leave anything on the sand while swimming — take turns.
   If it happens: Ask the nearest chiringuito to review CCTV.
5. 5. Restaurant menu / bill fraud on La Rambla
   Menus outside show €12 paella; the bill arrives at €38 with mystery charges.
   Avoid: Eat 2 streets off La Rambla — El Born, Poble Sec, Gràcia have real local prices.
   If it happens: Refuse undisclosed charges; ask for the hoja de reclamaciones (complaint book) — legally required to be provided.