Scam in EgyptShopping
Counterfeit antiques in Egypt
How it works
An object is offered as an antique even though it is counterfeit.
Warning signs
- The seller cannot support claims about the object's age or origin.
How to avoid it
- Avoid an expensive purchase when you cannot judge authenticity.
- Seek independent expertise before buying a valuable antique.
- Keep the receipt and written description.
If it happens to you
Preserve the seller's description and receipt. Ask for a refund and consider reporting a false claim.
- 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.
- News2023Tomb, sarcophagus, hieroglyphics: but it's all fake. Sensational scam for tourists in Beni SuefThe newspaper reported an investigation into a fabricated archaeological setting intended to deceive tourists with fake ancient objects.Read on News
- Redditr/egyptology2023Can someone debunk this TikTok account?Commenters described staged excavation videos as a method of presenting modern objects as genuine antiquities for sale to tourists.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the counterfeit antiques scam in Egypt?
An object is offered as an antique even though it is counterfeit.
How can I spot it early?
The seller cannot support claims about the object's age or origin.
How do I avoid counterfeit antiques in Egypt?
Avoid an expensive purchase when you cannot judge authenticity. Seek independent expertise before buying a valuable antique. Keep the receipt and written description.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Preserve the seller's description and receipt. Ask for a refund and consider reporting a false claim.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Shops selling older objects.
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