Question 1

What is the "Drug Dealer and Fake Police Shakedown" scam in Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

A street contact offers to sell marijuana or hashish to a tourist, sometimes framing it as a gift or social gesture. Moments after any transaction or acceptance, a second individual — convincingly dressed and behaving as a plain-clothes police officer — appears and threatens arrest. The "fine" to avoid arrest is typically 500–2,000 MAD. Both individuals are working together and split the proceeds. Tourists who pay once may be followed for repeat extortion. Decline any offer of drugs from a stranger, regardless of how casual or friendly the approach appears. If someone claims to be police and demands money, insist on being taken to a police station and ask to see an official badge. Contact the tourist police (Brigade Touristique) at their office on Rue Oqba ben Nafi near the medina.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Henna Artist" scam in Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

Women approach female tourists in Djemaa el-Fna square or near tourist sites and offer to apply a small free henna design. They then apply a large, elaborate design without permission and demand 20–50 EUR, threatening a scene if payment is refused. Some use black henna containing PPD, which can cause severe skin reactions. Decline henna applications from anyone who approaches you unsolicited. If you want henna, agree on the design and full price before sitting down. Avoid black henna entirely due to the risk of chemical burns and allergic reactions.

Question 3

What is the "Snake Charmer and Monkey Photo Demand" scam in Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

Snake charmers and handlers with Barbary macaque monkeys in Djemaa el-Fna aggressively place animals on tourists for photos without consent, then demand large sums of money — typically 10–20 EUR per photo — threatening confrontation if not paid. Avoid any proximity to snake charmers and monkey handlers in the square. If an animal is placed on you without consent, stay calm, remove it gently, and walk away without paying. Do not take out your camera near these individuals.

Question 4

What is the "Pickpocket Gangs in Djemaa el-Fna" scam in Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

Organized teams of pickpockets operate throughout Djemaa el-Fna square and the adjacent souk entrances. One member distracts the target — by pointing at something, creating a minor commotion, or bumping into them — while an accomplice extracts a phone, wallet, or camera from a bag or pocket. Many operatives are teenagers, which tourists are less likely to suspect. Motorcycle-based bag snatchers also patrol the outer perimeter of the square and medina entry streets. Keep phones in front trouser pockets or a zipped inner jacket pocket, not in handbags or back pockets. Use a money belt for cash and passport. Be especially vigilant in crowds around evening entertainers and during the transition from the daytime market to the evening food stalls.

Question 5

What is the "Fake Guide into the Medina" scam in Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

Men near Djemaa el-Fna claim to be helping tourists find a hotel, restaurant, or specific location in the medina. They guide tourists through the maze of alleyways — deliberately getting them lost — then demand payment for "guiding" them out. Refusal leads to intimidation. Download an offline map (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) of Marrakech before exploring the medina. Politely but firmly say "I don't need a guide, thank you" to anyone who approaches. If followed, enter any shop and ask for help.

Question 6

What is the "Fake Argan Oil Cooperative" scam in Marrakech?

Accepted Answer

Guides and touts steer tourists to shops presenting themselves as women's argan oil cooperatives, where "demonstrations" of oil pressing create an atmosphere of authenticity. The products sold are often diluted with sunflower or other vegetable oils, or colored to mimic genuine argan oil. Prices charged to tourists are 5–10x the going market rate. Some shops along the Ourika Valley road and within the medina use the same cooperative branding but have no certification. Buy argan oil only from shops displaying a certified cooperative certificate (look for UCFA or regional cooperative federation logos). Pure argan oil forms small bubbles that dissolve within seconds when shaken. Taste-test if possible — genuine argan oil has a strong, nutty flavor. Avoid any shop you were directed to by a guide or tout.

Street Scams in Marrakech

Drug Dealer and Fake Police Shakedown

Fake Henna Artist

Snake Charmer and Monkey Photo Demand

Pickpocket Gangs in Djemaa el-Fna

Fake Guide into the Medina

Fake Argan Oil Cooperative

Experienced a scam here?