Brits and American expats dreaming of a new life in Spain are being warned to steer clear of ‘scam-like relocation experts’ after some reportedly paid as much as €25,000 for little more than basic introductions to lawyers.

The warning has been issued by Christopher Hughey, the founder of Americans Moving To Spain, who is based in Sevilla in Andalucia.

Speaking to The Spanish Eye, Hughey, originally from Memphis, said he has witnessed a growing number of prospective expats being charged ‘outrageous prices’ by self-styled relocation specialists who are often unqualified to handle the process themselves.

‘What I observe is less about an intentional scam per se, and more about people charging outrageous prices for work they’re not really even qualified to perform themselves,’ he said.

According to Hughey, clients are frequently passed straight on to immigration lawyers after paying substantial fees, while receiving poor-quality advice on other key aspects of the move.

He explained: ‘After they’ve paid a fortune, they’re just handed over to an immigration attorney and almost all other relocation advice they’re getting is based on a limited understanding of moving to Spain from abroad.’

He warned that inadequate guidance on issues such as taxes, property and schooling can leave expats making costly mistakes after arriving in Spain.

‘Examples include poor or no guidance given on taxes, real estate and schools,’ he said, ‘this leads to people making bad decisions about their move. And potentially expensive ones.’

Hughey said he has seen single applicants charged up to $25,000 for relocation packages.

‘I’ve seen figures as high as $25,000 for single applicants. Can one justify such a price? Not in my opinion, not when I look at the scope of service offered for it.’

While he stopped short of calling every case a scam, he said reputable firms would never charge such amounts for similar services.

‘Is it technically a scam? Maybe not technically. Not if the scope of work is delivered. But would we or any reputable company I know charge those prices for such scopes of work? No.’

The expat expert urged anyone planning a move to Spain to thoroughly vet relocation companies before handing over money.

He advised: ‘Ask questions. Being, say, a social media influencer doesn’t qualify you to move people to Spain.’

Hughey pointed to his own background, which includes international business qualifications, multilingual experience and numerous overseas moves.

He said: ‘Personally, I have an undergraduate degree in languages, a grad diploma in international business, a project management professional certification.

‘I speak multiple languages, have held over half a dozen visas, have lived in six countries, and done 11 international moves.’

He also advised prospective expats to demand formal contracts and check whether firms are properly registered businesses.

‘Make sure they’re a legitimate company,’ he warned, ‘not just a website or social media page. If you do a relocation package, demand a formal contract or service agreement.’

He added that anyone paying for assistance with Spain’s increasingly popular Digital Nomad Visa should ensure an actual lawyer is involved in the process.

‘Can you do a digital nomad visa without an attorney? Technically, yes. But if you’re paying for a Digital Nomad Visa package, your provider should have an attorney assigned as a matter of best practice.’

Hughey warned that elderly expats and wealthier individuals are often the most vulnerable targets.

‘Sadly, as in so many other cases, the elderly are targeted more than many. As are higher net-worth individuals, for obvious reasons.’

But he added a final warning for anyone considering relocating to Spain.

‘Please don’t let your guard down regardless of your age or situation. Ask all the questions.’

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.