AccommodationMarrakech, Morocco

Riad canceled at check-in, "cousin's riad" was half the quality

Scam date: 2026-03-14 Reported: 2026-06-02

At check-in our riad said there had been a "water problem" and a driver was ready to take us to his cousin's riad. It was half the quality at the same price — and the commission was clearly pre-arranged. Refuse and check availability elsewhere yourself.

More reports in Morocco

Transport

"Your riad is closed" — taxi takes us to a carpet shop instead

📍 Marrakech, Morocco

🗓️ Scam date: 29 January 2026

📝 Reported: 29 August 2026

The taxi driver from the airport insisted our riad was "closed for renovation" and drove us to his "brother's guesthouse" near a carpet cooperative. The riad was, of course, open. Don't let drivers change your destination — call your riad first.

Restaurants & Bars

Medina restaurant with no menu: tagine cost 250 dirham each

📍 Marrakech, Morocco

🗓️ Scam date: 24 November 2025

📝 Reported: 20 April 2026

The medina restaurant had no menu. The waiter suggested "a nice tagine, salad, tea". The bill: 250 dirham per tagine — the same meal costs 40–60 dirham in the new town. Always ask the price before ordering anything in the medina.

Shopping

Carpet we shipped home from the souk never arrived

📍 Marrakech, Morocco

🗓️ Scam date: 6 April 2025

📝 Reported: 29 March 2026

The souk salesman promised "free shipping, arrives in 3 weeks". We paid €400 for a carpet that never arrived — the phone number is dead and the shop "no longer exists" according to the neighbor. Pay only after seeing the parcel shipped, or carry it.