This probably applies to anyone relocating anywhere, not just Lanzarote…

If we could give you one piece of advice that will save you both money and hassle is Caveat Emptor (Let the buyer beware).

We were fortunate enough to have friends here before we moved who helped us out with this simple advice, as well as pointing us in the right direction. We have since usually dealt with people only on recommendations, and others we have got to know over time either as clients or acquaintances. Sticking a pin in the local classified ads could well end in tears. Look for established businesses with a good reputation.

Not everyone is always as they seem, at best some people lower their standards of ethics in business, at worst some people are con-artists. This can apply to both ex-pats and locals. Don’t get us wrong, it is far from everyone, of course most people are perfectly okay, and we have met a lot of very good people over the last year.

However, don’t forget that not everyone leaves their homeland just for sunshine and a better life. Some are actually on the run! We heard of one individual who has been doing the rounds of the Canary Islands recently (last seen on Fuerteventura), who was taking deposits on property, and just disappearing. Turns out he was wanted for fraud in the UK. Would you really hand over a cash deposit on a property back home? Of course you wouldn’t. Why would you do anything different anywhere else? This is an extreme example we know, and far from typical, But when buying property, get good advice through a proper agent, preferably on a recommendation from someone you trust who has used or knows them.

Others, locals and ex-pats who are not what you’d call criminals will think nothing of overcharging whilst taking advantage of either your naivety or lack of language skills. They are not legally doing anything wrong. It can be tougher than you might think at times to make a living overseas, these people although they might not be this way inclined back in the UK, will prey on new faces to bolster there own income. Eventually of course it all backfires on them as most ex-pat communities are relatively small and it doesn’t take long to get a bad reputation.

For a time, until you find your feet, just treat people with a hint of suspicion until you get to know them, consider what their possible agenda might be, and don’t part with cash until you feel comfortable. And, remember, anyone operating legally will not be asking you for cash for anything without proper paperwork and tax identification.

Thankfully, we haven’t been stung. But we are still on our guard, as we would be in the UK. It may look and feel like paradise at times – but remember people are just the same everywhere. Good and bad!

You may also find our article on Camera Shop Scams useful

It can all sound like doom and gloom (it isn’t) – but forewarned is forearmed…

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 at 4:18 pm and is filed under Lanzarote Information & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.