Scam in EgyptShopping
Alabaster factory and stone-origin claims in Egypt
How it works
A factory presentation suggests goods are made locally or on site, although much alabaster is imported and hardly made there. Other stones, including much jade, are imported from China and India.
Warning signs
- A factory story is used to justify a purchase.
- The seller is vague about where the particular item was made.
How to avoid it
- Ask about the origin of the exact item you are considering.
- Do not assume a factory visit proves local manufacture.
- Compare prices and quality elsewhere.
If it happens to you
Do not buy on the strength of the factory story alone. Keep written claims if you later challenge a purchase.
- Get to a safe, public place. End the interaction calmly and do not chase a thief.
- Check whether anyone needs medical help. Call 123 for an ambulance if there is an urgent medical problem.
- Block missing cards and report unauthorised payments to your card issuer. Secure affected accounts and a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the time, location, amount and any vehicle or seller details.
- Report crime to police or a Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Call 122 if you need urgent police assistance, and ask for a report reference.
- Contact your insurer, booking platform or transport operator as relevant. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorTripadvisor reviews2026Thutmose's Bazaar For Alabaster - All You SHOULD Know Before Going (2026 Reviews)Reviewers alleged that selected stone pieces were replaced during packing with resin or other inferior materials.Read on Tripadvisor
- WebGoogle reviews reproduced on Wanderlog2025New Selket Alabaster Shop, Luxor, Egypt - Reviews, Ratings, Tips and Why You Should Go – WanderlogReviewers alleged that goods advertised as handmade natural stone were resin moulds or painted material whose colour washed off during use.Read on Web
Questions
What is the alabaster factory and stone-origin claims scam in Egypt?
A factory presentation suggests goods are made locally or on site, although much alabaster is imported and hardly made there. Other stones, including much jade, are imported from China and India.
How can I spot it early?
A factory story is used to justify a purchase. The seller is vague about where the particular item was made.
How do I avoid alabaster factory and stone-origin claims in Egypt?
Ask about the origin of the exact item you are considering. Do not assume a factory visit proves local manufacture. Compare prices and quality elsewhere.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not buy on the strength of the factory story alone. Keep written claims if you later challenge a purchase.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Alabaster factory visits around Luxor. It has been reported in Luxor.
How common is this scam in Egypt?
Occasional. Tourist scams and persistent sales pressure are common in Egypt, especially in Luxor and busy tourist areas in Cairo. The main problems are inflated fares, shop diversions, misleading sales claims and demands for payment after unwanted help. Pickpocketing also happens, while reports of drink spiking in budget accommodation deserve particular care.
Are there similar scams in Egypt?
Yes: large tourist markups in markets, papyrus museums, inflated discounts and imitation papyrus, market price changed from per kilo to per half-kilo.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 122 for urgent police assistance. Report theft, threats or suspected fraud and ask for a report reference. Tourism Police: look for a designated Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Explain what happened and show any receipts or other evidence. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ride-hailing app, transport operator or booking platform: use its official support channel. Include the booking, driver messages, receipt and agreed price. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police references and supporting documents. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for a lost passport, detention or serious crime. Ask what consular help is available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Egypt?
Police: 122, Ambulance: 123, Fire: 180, Highway: 136.
Reviewed by @snuck