These dubious characters confuse foreigners unaware of Portuguese laws and the rights of search. Wielding fake police badges and carrying briefcases, sometimes even with replica weapons, the conmen will call at houses and apartments to inform the occupants that they have to search the premises.

Once inside the premises they will look for any opportunity to steal money and valuables.

A recent case reported to the police in Albufeira mentioned three men approaching an elderly English couple staying in a holiday apartment in Cerro Branco, however the ‘officers’ left when the couple refused to open the door without the authority of the owners.

These three men were aged around 35, dressed in civilian clothes apart from the fake articles of identity.

Another case was reported in which two couples were leaving a building in front of the Hotel Real Santa Eulalia and were then confronted by two individuals claiming to be police officers who demanded the right to search their accommodation.

When they were rejected the two drove off in a dark colored car in which an accomplice was waiting. The authorities have issued a warning about this type of crime becoming increasingly commonplace not only in the Algarve but also in Porto and Lisbon.

Two men and two women were arrested earlier this year by the Porto PJ police under the charge of robbery of a massage parlour, while six men carried out a robbery in Graca, Lisbon, under the guide of police officers, so be careful if you’re approached by individuals claiming to be policemen.