Scam in MoroccoTours and guides
Expensive desert excursion that goes nowhere in Morocco
How it works
A hustler sells an expensive desert excursion. The promised trip turns out to be days of driving around just outside the city.
Warning signs
- The seller is a stranger met in transit.
- The route and overnight stops are vague.
- Payment is requested before clear trip details are provided.
How to avoid it
- Choose a tour business you can check independently.
- Get the route, stops and full price in writing.
- Keep control of your payment card.
If it happens to you
Keep booking details and evidence of the actual route. Seek a refund and contact your card issuer if the service was misrepresented.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or physically resist a robbery.
- If you are hurt or suspect drugging, seek medical help immediately.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised payments. Lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
- Save receipts, booking messages and payment records. Write down what happened, where and when.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer, booking provider or embassy as needed. Use the evidence you saved when requesting help or a refund.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the expensive desert excursion that goes nowhere scam in Morocco?
A hustler sells an expensive desert excursion. The promised trip turns out to be days of driving around just outside the city.
How can I spot it early?
The seller is a stranger met in transit. The route and overnight stops are vague. Payment is requested before clear trip details are provided.
How do I avoid expensive desert excursion that goes nowhere in Morocco?
Choose a tour business you can check independently. Get the route, stops and full price in writing. Keep control of your payment card.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep booking details and evidence of the actual route. Seek a refund and contact your card issuer if the service was misrepresented.
Where in Morocco does this happen?
Tours sold through informal contacts arriving in Fez It has been reported in Fez.
How common is this scam in Morocco?
Occasional. Morocco is generally safe, but tourists often face persistent touts, false guides and inflated prices. Marrakech needs extra care, while Fez has elaborate guide and tour scams; pickpocketing and taxi overcharging also occur in several cities.
Are there similar scams in Morocco?
Yes: false guides and shop detours, friendly stranger on a train or bus, free tannery tour with a forced payment.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, threats or fraud. Give the location, time and any receipts or messages. Ask for a report or reference number. Tourist police at Djemaa El-Fna, Marrakech: approach a patrol for help with harassment, intimidation or a disputed food-stall bill. Airport security at Marrakech-Menara Airport: ask for help if an airport ATM retains your card. Bank or card issuer: use its official app or verified contact number to freeze a card, report unauthorised payments or question undisclosed ATM fees. Accommodation, booking provider or tour business: report the problem through the official reception desk or booking channel. Provide the agreed price and evidence of what was delivered. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and medical records. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
What number do I call in an emergency in Morocco?
Police — listed for Marrakech: 19, Ambulance / Fire — listed for Marrakech: 15.
Reviewed by @snuck