The fan frenzy around Eurovision and the scarcity of tickets for some events can easily become a breeding ground for scams. While the excitement around competitions like Eurovision is infectious, the risk of being cheated remains real. This is a risk that has touched several fans recently, with reports of Benidorm Fest 2023 scams surfacing online.
But this story isn’t only about ticket sales. The second edition of Benidorm Fest draws a line back to a distant start. In 2010, a group of Eurofans, mainly Spanish and Mexican, claimed they were victims of a fraud exceeding 21,000 euros. The perpetrator, identified as a Spanish individual with the initials Raúl LC, carried out the scheme in front of the Spanish Embassy in Oslo.
The scammer played a central role in orchestrating travel for Eurovision hopefuls. He booked hotels, arranged tours, and handled flights using the OGAE Spain membership—The official Eurovision supporters club in Spain—to gain trust. He forged receipts to collect funds and duped several members of the group, a case that reached the Spanish National Police in 2010.
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Now, the shadow of this Eurovision hoax lingers over Benidorm Fest 2023, as some fans report being targeted by scams on social networks. The event, which will feature the country’s next Eurovision representative, promises a packed week in the Costa Blanca tourist hub, beginning January 29.
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In this case the process differs. An account that appears to be a genuine eurofan posts a message on Twitter designed to lure fans who have not yet bought tickets. The message, which can vary slightly, typically reads: “For personal reasons, I can’t travel to Benidorm. The sale ends on the 4th. I have 2 tickets from MD to sell to anyone who wants to write to me #BenidormFest2023 #BenidormFest”.
An unsuspecting eurofan may respond on Twitter and get drawn into the scam’s trap, tempted by the offer. The fraudster sometimes asks for a transfer with little time to verify details. The method used is modern and quick, pressuring victims to act fast before the opportunity vanishes.
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Yet the scammer provides a convincing package: an ID photo and a phone number claiming to belong to a partner. Those who request proof of ticket legitimacy are met with what looks like an authentic receipt for a legitimate ticket purchase—designed to reassure the buyer and seal the deal.
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Unfortunately, once the transfer is completed, the seller vanishes, blocks the buyers, and keeps the money without delivering tickets. The situation becomes more troubling when documents obtained by La Razón show Bizum transfer initials matching those of the 2010 scammer—the same person who had defrauded eurofans of more than 21,000 euros when facilitating a trip to Oslo for Eurovision.
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According to reports, the accused claims his account was hacked and that he has already filed a police complaint. His Twitter profile appears to have disappeared, and followers of the European song festival who had fallen for fake ticket sales continue to surface under various profiles. The case remains a cautionary tale about how passionate fans can be exploited by convincing fraudsters.