Scam encyclopedia

The man with the snake
doesn’t want a photo.

He wants €20 and an argument. Every Medina scam documented — the script, the setup, and exactly how to respond.

Warninghigh
No. 01

Snake Charmers

Jemaa el-Fna

Someone places a snake on your shoulders without asking, then demands €20+ for a photo you never wanted. They work in groups and will get aggressive if you refuse to pay.

No, thank you.

Warningmedium
No. 02

Henna Women

Jemaa el-Fna

Women grab your hand and start applying henna before you agree. Once it's on your skin, they demand 200–500 MAD. Refusing leads to a loud public confrontation.

Pull your hand away immediately. La, shukran.

Warninghigh
No. 03

Fake Tanneries Guides

Medina

A friendly local offers to show you the tanneries for free, then leads you to a carpet or leather shop where you face high-pressure sales. The 'guide' earns commission on anything you buy.

I know the way, thanks.

Warninghigh
No. 04

Carpet Shop Pressure

Souks

You're offered mint tea and shown dozens of carpets. Prices start at 10x the real value. Saying no triggers guilt-tripping, fake 'special prices,' and blocking the exit. The tea is the trap.

Thank you, but I'm not buying today.

Warninglow
No. 05

Orange Juice Overcharging

Jemaa el-Fna

Fresh orange juice costs 5 MAD at the square, but some stalls charge tourists 20–40 MAD. They quote the inflated price after you've already drunk it.

How much? — ask before drinking.

Warningmedium
No. 06

Fake Closures

Medina

Someone tells you 'that road is closed' or 'the mosque is closed today' and offers to show you a different route — which leads to a shop, riad, or dead end where they demand a tip.

It's fine, I'll check myself.

Warninglow
No. 07

Restaurant Touts

Jemaa el-Fna

Men on the square aggressively steer you into their restaurant with fake menus and promises. The food is overpriced and poor quality. They earn commission per head.

I already have a reservation.

Warningmedium
No. 08

Taxi Meter Refusal

Transport

Petit taxi drivers refuse to turn on the meter and quote 5–10x the real fare. Common at the airport, train station, and tourist hotspots. The real fare within the Medina is rarely above 20 MAD.

Le compteur, s'il vous plaît. — or walk to the next taxi.