Fake guide demanded 300 dirham for a 10-minute walk

Scam date: 2025-10-15 Reported: 2025-12-03

A young man "just walking to his school" walked us 10 minutes through the medina and then demanded 300 dirham "for the guided tour". When we refused, three friends appeared. Never let anyone lead you — or agree on a price in advance.

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.

Accommodation

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

📍 Marrakech, Morocco

🗓️ Scam date: 14 March 2026

📝 Reported: 2 June 2026

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.

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.