An elderly British couple are sounding the alarm after allegedly being targeted by fake fundraisers on the Costa del Sol.
Barbara Halsall told the Spanish Eye how her husband Mike was walking in Rincon de la Victoria, Malaga, on February 27 when he was approached by a lady with a clipboard.
Mike, 83, walks with a walking stick, which he put against the wall to speak to the alleged scammer.
Barbara, from Southport, explained: ‘She spoke in Spanish and he did not understand what she was saying except for the word ‘disabled’. My husband is 83 and uses a walking stick.
‘She persuaded him to sign her petition. He put his stick against the wall, freeing his hands to hold the clipboard. Afterwards she thanked him profusely, holding his hands in a grateful way.’
Barbara said it wasn’t until later in the day that he realised his gold signature ring was missing.
She added: ‘It was specially made for him 50 years ago and was a bit loose.
‘This happened on the side street just off the main road in the centre of Rincon the day before we were about to leave for the UK.
‘We had no time to make a report to the police, but I hope that you can pass on a warning to unsuspecting tourists.’
Barbara added: ‘The rings were bought as a matching pair and we have had them for 50 years. We have been married for 53 years this year.
‘I feel that the elderly are a soft target. We are not as sharp as we used to be.’
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