Menu
Morocco
27 scams
An amalgamation of Arab, Berber, European and African cultures, Morocco is a magical place to be, with the expansive Sahara desert, fascinating Mosque architecture and bustling medinas to explore!
However, as a tourist here, you will have to be prepared to deal with some aggressive hassling.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Police: 190, 112
- Police outside the city: 177
- Ambulance: 150
- Fire brigade: 15
Travel guide
Merzouga romance scam in Morocco
8 4How it works: Situation: This is Morocco’s version of the bedouin romance scam in Jordan. Opening: Targeted at women, “call-boys” at Merzouga will pull out all the stops in wooing…
Read more…
Taxi scams in Morocco
7 0How it works: Version 1: charging an inflated flat fare instead of using the meter. Version 2: claiming fare is for each person rather than per vehicle; jacking up initially…
Read more…
Pickpockets in Morocco
5 2How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
Read more…
Animal, costume photo scam in Morocco
5 1How it works: Version 1: at certain squares, you will see locals carrying animals such as snakes, monkeys or baby goats. Once you walk pass, they place the animal on…
Read more…
Tannery “tour” scam in Morocco
6 1How it works: Opening: a scammer tells you that the place you are going is closed or that you are going the wrong way. Another accomplice acting as a passerby…
Read more…
Helpful guide scam in Morocco
5 9How it works: Situation: due to Morocco’s low minimum wage (100 DH or ~10 USD for 8 hours), many resort to offering unsolicited help and then demanding an inflated tip…
Read more…
Students English practice scam in Morocco
6 0How it works: You may encounter students who approach you claiming to want to practice their English. Like the tea ceremony scam in China, if you agree, you will eventually…
Read more…
Henna women scam in Morocco
5 2How it works: Version 1: henna women apply henna ink onto tourists sneakily. When you realize, they will apologize and offer to do a full henna tattoo. If you agree…
Read more…
The tree-climbing goats scam in Morocco
4 0How it works: Situation: goats are actually very nimble and can climb trees to search for food (e.g. you can see a video below). However, this natural phenomena has been…
Read more…
Medina/tannery entrance fee scam in Morocco
4 0How it works: Entering a medina or tannery is free, but there are scammers who pose as officials to charge you an entrance fee. Places to beware: Fes Marrakech What…
Read more…