Scam in EgyptShopping
Perfume quality or contents misrepresented in Egypt
How it works
Perfume may not be natural or original as claimed, or may contain alcohol when sold on a different basis.
Warning signs
- The seller makes strong quality claims without demonstrating what is in the product.
- Questions about alcohol content or origin get vague answers.
How to avoid it
- Ask the seller to demonstrate any claim that the perfume contains no alcohol.
- Do not assume a souvenir-shop perfume is natural or original.
- Skip the purchase if the contents matter to you and remain unclear.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and any written product claims if you ask for a refund.
- 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.
- Redditr/askegypt2026Why is Egypt full of scammers??Visitors alleged that roughly $250 of perfume bought at a guide-recommended shop was diluted and unlike the samples demonstrated.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorTripadvisor reviews2023PERFUME FACTORY - All You SHOULD Know Before You Go 2026 (w/ Reviews & Photos)A reviewer alleged that two of four purchased oils had been replaced with cheap men's perfume when the bottles were filled.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the perfume quality or contents misrepresented scam in Egypt?
Perfume may not be natural or original as claimed, or may contain alcohol when sold on a different basis.
How can I spot it early?
The seller makes strong quality claims without demonstrating what is in the product. Questions about alcohol content or origin get vague answers.
How do I avoid perfume quality or contents misrepresented in Egypt?
Ask the seller to demonstrate any claim that the perfume contains no alcohol. Do not assume a souvenir-shop perfume is natural or original. Skip the purchase if the contents matter to you and remain unclear.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and any written product claims if you ask for a refund.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Souvenir and perfume shops, including those in Hurghada.
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