Scam in MoroccoTours and guides
Friendly stranger on a train or bus in Morocco
How it works
A stranger presents himself as a respectable visitor, sometimes a hotel owner, and invites you to eat with relatives. The visit becomes a sales pitch for accommodation, commission-paying shops and expensive tours. A bus driver may also take part.
Warning signs
- A new acquaintance quickly invites you to meet relatives.
- The conversation turns to booking hotels or excursions.
- They ask you to hand over your credit card.
How to avoid it
- Keep control of your own bookings.
- Decline invitations that turn into sales pitches.
- Never hand your card to these intermediaries.
If it happens to you
Leave the sales setting. If your card is kept or used without permission, contact the card issuer immediately and report it to police.
- 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.
- Travel blogThe Points and Miles Backpacker: How to Avoid the Most Elaborate Travel Scam I've Ever SeenA traveller recounts a friendly conversation on a Tangier-to-Fez train developing into an elaborate scam over the next two days.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blogThe View from Fez2011Tourist Warning ~ Beware the Man on the Train !The article and reader accounts describe friendly train passengers steering visitors toward alternative hotels, guides and carpet shops.Read on Travel blog
- WebWikivoyageFez – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community guide describes train and bus acquaintances using family invitations to sell commission-based tours, accommodation and carpets.Read on Web
Questions
What is the friendly stranger on a train or bus scam in Morocco?
A stranger presents himself as a respectable visitor, sometimes a hotel owner, and invites you to eat with relatives. The visit becomes a sales pitch for accommodation, commission-paying shops and expensive tours. A bus driver may also take part.
How can I spot it early?
A new acquaintance quickly invites you to meet relatives. The conversation turns to booking hotels or excursions. They ask you to hand over your credit card.
How do I avoid friendly stranger on a train or bus in Morocco?
Keep control of your own bookings. Decline invitations that turn into sales pitches. Never hand your card to these intermediaries.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Leave the sales setting. If your card is kept or used without permission, contact the card issuer immediately and report it to police.
Where in Morocco does this happen?
Trains and buses arriving in Fez It has been reported in Fez.
How common is this scam in Morocco?
Common. 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, free tannery tour with a forced payment, expensive desert excursion that goes nowhere.
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