Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kenitra, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco
1. Grand Mosque Scam
Scammers may pose as guides around the Grand Mosque and overcharge tourists for services. Avoid accepting unsolicited help.
- Unsolicited Assistance: Be wary of individuals offering help without being asked.
- Overcharging: Be aware that some people might charge excessive prices for services.
- Guides without Licenses: Ensure any guide you hire is officially licensed.
2. Souk Bargaining Scam
Sellers in the Souk might overstate prices or claim an item is more valuable than it is. Bargain reasonably but fairly.
- Overstated Prices: Prices quoted by sellers may be inflated.
- Claims of Rarity: Sellers might claim items are rare or special to demand a higher price.
- Misinformation: Be aware that some sellers might provide misleading information about their goods.
3. Taxi Scam
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or overcharge unsuspecting tourists. Use official taxis and negotiate prices in advance.
- Longer Routes: Certain taxi drivers might choose longer routes to increase fares.
- Overcharging: Taxis may charge excessively high prices, especially for tourists.
- Negotiate Prices: It's essential to agree on a price before starting the journey.
4. Sim Card Scam
Unscrupulous vendors might sell fake SIM cards or charge for unused services. Buy SIM cards from official retailers.
- Fake SIM Cards: Some vendors may sell counterfeit SIM cards.
- Charges for Unused Services: Vendors might charge for services not received.
- Official Retailers: Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers to avoid scams.
5. Currency Exchange Scam
Some currency exchange offices might offer unfavorable exchange rates or charge hidden fees. Research trusted exchange locations.
- Unfavorable Rates: Some exchange offices may offer poor exchange rates.
- Hidden Fees: Exchange offices might charge hidden fees for their services.
- Research Trusted Locations: Find reliable currency exchange locations before traveling.
6. Accommodation Scam
Some accommodation providers might offer subpar rooms or overcharge tourists. Research and book from reputable sources.
- Subpar Rooms: Rooms offered may not meet the expected quality.
- Overcharging: Tourists might be charged excessively high prices for accommodation.
- Reputable Sources: Book accommodation through trustworthy sources to avoid scams.
7. Food Poisoning Scam
Some restaurants might use low-quality ingredients or serve contaminated food. Stick to well-reviewed and busy restaurants.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Some restaurants might use lower quality ingredients.
- Contaminated Food: Food might be served contaminated due to poor hygiene practices.
- Well-Reviewed Restaurants: Choose restaurants with good reviews and a busy clientele to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
8. ATM Scam
Some ATMs might skim card information or charge hidden fees. Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable locations.
- Skimming Devices: Certain ATMs may have devices installed to steal card information.
- Hidden Fees: ATMs might charge hidden fees for withdrawals.
- Reputable Locations: Use ATMs inside banks or reputable locations to minimize the risk of being scammed.
9. Gold Jewelry Scam
Some gold jewelry vendors might sell fake or low-quality pieces. Research and verify the quality of the vendor.
- Fake Gold Jewelry: Vendors may sell imitation or lower-quality gold jewelry.
- Low-Quality Pieces: Gold jewelry might be of poor quality despite the price tag.
- Research Vendors: Research gold jewelry vendors to ensure they offer high-quality products.
10. Car Rental Scam
Some car rental companies might charge hidden fees or damage vehicles before handing them over. Research and compare prices.
- Hidden Fees: Rental companies might charge additional, unexpected fees.
- Damaged Vehicles: Vehicles might be damaged before being handed over to renters.
- Research and Compare Prices: Compare prices from different rental companies to find the best deals.
11. Faux Guide Scam
Unlicensed guides might offer their services and provide misinformation. Only hire officially licensed guides.
- Unlicensed Guides: Individuals without official licenses might offer guiding services.
- Misinformation: Guides might provide incorrect or incomplete information about sites and attractions.
- Officially Licensed Guides: Ensure any guide you hire is officially licensed to avoid scams.
12. Fake Police Scam
Scammers may pose as police officers to extort money or steal personal belongings. Carry a copy of your passport and travel documents and remain cautious.
- Extortion: Fraudsters might demand money from tourists under the guise of being police officers.
- Theft: Scammers might steal personal belongings or valuable items.
- Carry a Copy of Passport and Documents: Keep a copy of your passport and important travel documents on hand in case of an emergency.
13. Wedding Invitation Scam
Scammers might invite tourists to a fake wedding or event and ask for money in return. Decline invitations from strangers.
- Fake Events: Invitations might be for fake events or ceremonies designed to extract money.
- Money Requests: Scammers might ask for money in exchange for attending the event.
- Decline Invitations from Strangers: Avoid accepting invitations from strangers, especially if they involve paying money.
14. Charity Scam
Scammers might pose as homeless individuals or charity workers to solicit donations. Be wary of unsolicited requests for money.
- Unsolicited Requests: Individuals or groups might approach tourists asking for money.
- Fake Charities: Scammers might claim to be collecting for a fake charity or organization.
- Research Local Charities: Research local charities and organizations before donating money.
15. Public Wi-Fi Scam
Public Wi-Fi networks might be unsecured or malicious. Use a VPN to protect your data when connecting to public networks.
- Unsecured Networks: Public Wi-Fi networks might not be secure, allowing others to access your data.
- Malicious Networks: Some public networks might be set up to steal sensitive information.
- Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi.