Pls help-- got robbed in Barcelona
Aug 10, 2013, 3:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 25
Pls help-- got robbed in Barcelona
I was playing hide and go seek with my daughter in a park in Barcelona while my wife watched our stuff when she decided to take a picture. At that well timed moment a thief took our camera bag right out of the stroller in front of her. They made off with $2500 of camera gear / electronics and both of our wallets. 
Thankfully we left our passports and a backup credit card in the hotel.
I immediately called all of our credit card companies and reported the cards stolen. However, my wife forgot about one of her cards and the thieves tried to charge $240 of clothes. Thankfully Chase declined the charge so I'm hoping a fraudulent charge report won't go to the credit agencies.
So I'm wondering if the collective knowledge here of all things CC related can help me. First, do any of my cards insure against such incidents? I've got Chase Sapphire Visa Signature, Barclay's world MC, and a Starwood Amex among others. Second, how can I get cash in France tomorrow without my BoA ATM card? (BNP Paribas is their sister bank there). Third, how do I rent a car without a DL? I was able to scrounge up a copy on Gmail from a mortgage application, but that's it. Finally, is this going to have to delay my next AOR? I'm just thinking the cc comps won't like this.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
Oh and one other fun note: several other tourists saw the whole thing and did NOTHING! 
Thankfully we left our passports and a backup credit card in the hotel.I immediately called all of our credit card companies and reported the cards stolen. However, my wife forgot about one of her cards and the thieves tried to charge $240 of clothes. Thankfully Chase declined the charge so I'm hoping a fraudulent charge report won't go to the credit agencies.
So I'm wondering if the collective knowledge here of all things CC related can help me. First, do any of my cards insure against such incidents? I've got Chase Sapphire Visa Signature, Barclay's world MC, and a Starwood Amex among others. Second, how can I get cash in France tomorrow without my BoA ATM card? (BNP Paribas is their sister bank there). Third, how do I rent a car without a DL? I was able to scrounge up a copy on Gmail from a mortgage application, but that's it. Finally, is this going to have to delay my next AOR? I'm just thinking the cc comps won't like this.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
Oh and one other fun note: several other tourists saw the whole thing and did NOTHING!
Aug 10, 2013, 3:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
I was playing hide and go seek with my daughter in a park in Barcelona while my wife watched our stuff when she decided to take a picture. At that well timed moment a thief took our camera bag right out of the stroller in front of her. They made off with $2500 of camera gear / electronics and both of our wallets. Thankfully we left our passports and a backup credit card in the hotel.
I immediately called all of our credit card companies and reported the cards stolen. However, my wife forgot about one of her cards and the thieves tried to charge $240 of clothes. Thankfully Chase declined the charge so I'm hoping a fraudulent charge report won't go to the credit agencies.
So I'm wondering if the collective knowledge here of all things CC related can help me. First, do any of my cards insure against such incidents? I've got Chase Sapphire Visa Signature, Barclay's world MC, and a Starwood Amex among others. Second, how can I get cash in France tomorrow without my BoA ATM card? (BNP Paribas is their sister bank there). Third, how do I rent a car without a DL? I was able to scrounge up a copy on Gmail from a mortgage application, but that's it. Finally, is this going to have to delay my next AOR? I'm just thinking the cc comps won't like this.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
Oh and one other fun note: several other tourists saw the whole thing and did NOTHING!
Thankfully we left our passports and a backup credit card in the hotel.I immediately called all of our credit card companies and reported the cards stolen. However, my wife forgot about one of her cards and the thieves tried to charge $240 of clothes. Thankfully Chase declined the charge so I'm hoping a fraudulent charge report won't go to the credit agencies.
So I'm wondering if the collective knowledge here of all things CC related can help me. First, do any of my cards insure against such incidents? I've got Chase Sapphire Visa Signature, Barclay's world MC, and a Starwood Amex among others. Second, how can I get cash in France tomorrow without my BoA ATM card? (BNP Paribas is their sister bank there). Third, how do I rent a car without a DL? I was able to scrounge up a copy on Gmail from a mortgage application, but that's it. Finally, is this going to have to delay my next AOR? I'm just thinking the cc comps won't like this.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
Oh and one other fun note: several other tourists saw the whole thing and did NOTHING!
First, off, you have nothing to fear in terms of credit reports; fraudelent charges won't go there. In terms of cash, you could call Amex and ask them to loan you some money at the Amex office. Also, what card did you buy your photo gear with? Both Visa Signature and some Amex cards cover theft while traveling from what I recall. Sorry it happened to you, hope you've filed the police report.
Unfortunately, I don't think you'd be able to rent a car and especially drive in Europe without a license. Look into International Drivers License, I guess, but they will still need the proof that you can drive in your own country.
Aug 10, 2013, 4:15 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 25
Haha I laughed for the first time today at your AOR comment.
I did in fact use my Sapphire for my camera. unfortunately I bought it 4 months ago and theft protection is only for 90 days according to their site. Funny thing is I left my other camera in the room and it would be eligible for theft protection.
I'll see if there's an Amex office in Nice or Marsailles.
I did in fact use my Sapphire for my camera. unfortunately I bought it 4 months ago and theft protection is only for 90 days according to their site. Funny thing is I left my other camera in the room and it would be eligible for theft protection.
I'll see if there's an Amex office in Nice or Marsailles.
Aug 10, 2013, 4:53 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 866
Pls help-- got robbed in Barcelona
If you have a photocopy of you DL you might be in luck. If you can use a rental agency you have a relationship with (like Avis) they should be able to help. You have positive ID with the passport and they have a track record of you from your past rentals. I had a similar issue a while ago and they accepted the copy.
Something that I do whenever I go on a trip is I scan front and back everything in my wallet and all my travel documents. I then e-mail myself and my wife the scans. Makes it easier is something like this happens.
I love your attitude On the AOR. Don't let that crook ruin your trip.
Something that I do whenever I go on a trip is I scan front and back everything in my wallet and all my travel documents. I then e-mail myself and my wife the scans. Makes it easier is something like this happens.
I love your attitude On the AOR. Don't let that crook ruin your trip.
Aug 10, 2013, 6:23 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CEB & LAS
Programs: CX GO, TSA Pre✓ Afflictions: TSASS
Posts: 734
If you have Hertz #1 Club Gold, they don't check your ID when you rent, you just spot your name on the board, find your car and go.
But the trick is you have to use a CC to pay that you've already used in the past. If you put in a new CC# on the rental, they will require you to go to the counter and show your CC, and sometimes your ID. So it would have to be paid for by a card that is 1) on your account already 2) still valid 3) if it was one of the stolen cards, you'd want to initiate your rental and pick up your car BEFORE you call that CC company to cancel it.
Later when you return the car if the CC has been canceled that's no problem, you can give them another card to pay or pay with cash. At that point it becomes a simple payment issue instead of a "no ID, no CC" problem.
Best of luck, hope it works out okay.
But the trick is you have to use a CC to pay that you've already used in the past. If you put in a new CC# on the rental, they will require you to go to the counter and show your CC, and sometimes your ID. So it would have to be paid for by a card that is 1) on your account already 2) still valid 3) if it was one of the stolen cards, you'd want to initiate your rental and pick up your car BEFORE you call that CC company to cancel it.
Later when you return the car if the CC has been canceled that's no problem, you can give them another card to pay or pay with cash. At that point it becomes a simple payment issue instead of a "no ID, no CC" problem.
Best of luck, hope it works out okay.
Aug 11, 2013, 3:48 am
#8
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
We had much the same issue come up years ago in Avignon. Except we also had our passports stolen.
Turns out that a police report reporting a stolen passport can be used in place of a passport, at least in Europe, so you can cross the border on your way to get a new passport (and also to check into a hotel).
Perhaps the same thing will work for a stolen DL?
By the way, Barcelona is the most thief ridden place I have even been (Lisbon a distant second). Saw or were the attempted victims of half a dozen thefts in a four day visit. Beautiful city though. But next time I think I'll skip it.
Turns out that a police report reporting a stolen passport can be used in place of a passport, at least in Europe, so you can cross the border on your way to get a new passport (and also to check into a hotel).
Perhaps the same thing will work for a stolen DL?
By the way, Barcelona is the most thief ridden place I have even been (Lisbon a distant second). Saw or were the attempted victims of half a dozen thefts in a four day visit. Beautiful city though. But next time I think I'll skip it.
Aug 11, 2013, 4:28 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
So you would expect "another tourist" to do.. what?
Physically intervene, turning a non-violent theft into a confrontation...possibly putting themselves at risk of injury to protect your entirely replaceable property?
Or what?
Physically intervene, turning a non-violent theft into a confrontation...possibly putting themselves at risk of injury to protect your entirely replaceable property?
Or what?
Aug 11, 2013, 12:28 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AS, US, Hilton, BA, DL, SPG, AA, VS
Posts: 1,628
Exactly the question I had upon reading the OP.
Aug 11, 2013, 1:40 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
Well, if I were to witness a crime like that in the US, I would dial 911 at least. Of course, the chances of catching the thief are slim anyway, but at least it would make things easier for a tourist (especially if they don't speak the language) if the police quickly arrived at the scene.
Aug 12, 2013, 3:36 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 25
Literally just yell "thief!" That's it. All that's needed in the situation is to alert the property owner that their stuff is being stolen.
The good news is I got the rental car! At first Hertz didn't want to do it, but having a police report and a copy of my license seemed to help. Hertz got a lot of brand loyalty from me now!
The good news is I got the rental car! At first Hertz didn't want to do it, but having a police report and a copy of my license seemed to help. Hertz got a lot of brand loyalty from me now!
Aug 12, 2013, 12:54 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Austin
Programs: UA silver
Posts: 71
Having lived in Barcelona and personally witnessed someone beat the s**t out of pick pockets, I'd say it's socially acceptable. The cops just watched and didn't care.
It's also perfectly acceptable to use physical force to get the hookers to leave you alone. I learned that one quickly when I was walking back from a bar at around 3 am. One of them walked up to me, grabbed me by my junk, and proceeded to tell me the going rates for various acts of debauchery.
Fun but interesting city...
It's also perfectly acceptable to use physical force to get the hookers to leave you alone. I learned that one quickly when I was walking back from a bar at around 3 am. One of them walked up to me, grabbed me by my junk, and proceeded to tell me the going rates for various acts of debauchery.
Fun but interesting city...
Aug 12, 2013, 1:20 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 756
Having lived in Barcelona and personally witnessed someone beat the s**t out of pick pockets, I'd say it's socially acceptable. The cops just watched and didn't care.
It's also perfectly acceptable to use physical force to get the hookers to leave you alone. I learned that one quickly when I was walking back from a bar at around 3 am. One of them walked up to me, grabbed me by my junk, and proceeded to tell me the going rates for various acts of debauchery.
Fun but interesting city...
It's also perfectly acceptable to use physical force to get the hookers to leave you alone. I learned that one quickly when I was walking back from a bar at around 3 am. One of them walked up to me, grabbed me by my junk, and proceeded to tell me the going rates for various acts of debauchery.
Fun but interesting city...