Trip Scam

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Casablanca, Morocco

Common scams in Casablanca

10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Casablanca, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.

Last updated 2026-08-09

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Photo: Tom D'Arby · Pexels License · source

Pictured: Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca.

high1. Other

Carpet and handicraft shops reached via a guide's route, with hours of pressure, false age and origin claims, and shipping that fails after payment.

high2. Other

Unlicensed 'guides' attaching themselves near the main mosque and medina, leading visitors on public routes and demanding substantial payment afterwards.

high3. Taxi meter fraud

Petit taxi drivers refusing the meter for foreign passengers and quoting fixed fares several times the metered rate, particularly from the airport and station.

medium4. Rental overbooking

Riad and apartment bookings not honoured on arrival, with guests redirected to lesser properties.

medium5. Other

Fake charity and 'student' collectors approaching visitors near the main sights with laminated documentation.

medium6. Menu / bill switching

Restaurants in tourist areas adding unordered dishes and undisclosed service charges to bills.

medium7. Distraction theft

Pickpocketing and bag snatching by motorbike pairs on the boulevards and in the medina lanes.

medium8. Counterfeit goods

Counterfeit branded goods and imitation argan oil sold as cooperative-produced at premium prices.

medium9. Currency shortchange

Shortchanging at market stalls and unlicensed changers, and dynamic currency conversion at card terminals.

low10. Fake tickets

Unofficial sellers offering mosque and museum entry at prices above the posted admission.

Every entry above describes a pattern reported in an area of Casablanca, not an accusation against a specific business. Sources are labelled on each entry.

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