Morocco Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Morocco and how to report them via the DGSN E-Blagh platform, the Ministry of Commerce, and your bank.
Emergency number: 19 (police), 15 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Morocco is a popular tourism destination and sees a mix of classic tourist scams and growing digital fraud. In medinas and souks, visitors face false guide scams, fake argan oil and carpet shops, and overcharging. Online, Moroccan residents and visitors face phishing targeting bank accounts, fake investment platforms, and social media marketplace fraud. Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) launched the E-Blagh platform in 2024 for 24-hour anonymous reporting of online crime including fraud, and the DGSSI (national cybersecurity authority) handles technical cybersecurity incident reports. Consumer complaints can be filed with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The emergency police number is 19.
Common scams
- False guide and unofficial tour scams in medinas
- Fake argan oil and artisan product overcharging
- Phishing targeting bank accounts and payment cards
- Fake investment and cryptocurrency platforms
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial guides offering to 'show the way' then demanding large fees
- Persistent souvenir sellers and carpet shops using hard-sell tactics
- Overcharging taxis without meters
- Fake 'closed' attractions redirecting tourists to commission-paying shops
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating banks or mobile operators
- Fake online shops and marketplace non-delivery
- Social media romance and financial request scams
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers requiring upfront fees
- Task scams via messaging apps
Romance scams
- Social media and dating-app romance with escalating financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake cryptocurrency and forex trading platforms
- Multi-level marketing and pyramid schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred fraudulently
- Report online crime and cybercrime to the DGSN E-Blagh platform at e-blagh.ma
- Report cybersecurity incidents to DGSSI maCERT at dgssi.gov.ma
- File consumer complaints at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce portal
- Call police on 19 for urgent assistance
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on your card or their app. No legitimate bank will ask for your PIN or online banking credentials by phone or text. Report online fraud to E-Blagh (e-blagh.ma), which can be accessed anonymously from anywhere in the world.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the E-Blagh platform?
E-Blagh is Morocco's official online cybercrime reporting platform, launched in 2024 by the DGSN (General Directorate of National Security). It allows anyone to report illegal online content including fraud, harassment, and terrorism promotion, 24 hours a day and anonymously.
How do I avoid guide scams in Moroccan medinas?
Only use licensed official guides, which can be arranged through your hotel or a licensed tour operator. If approached by an unsolicited guide, politely decline from the start — partial acceptance makes it harder to walk away without paying.
Is taxi overcharging common in Morocco?
Yes. Always agree on the fare before getting into a petit taxi or ask the driver to use the meter. At major tourist sites, unofficial drivers may quote inflated prices. Official licensed taxis can be identified by their colour (red in Marrakech, blue in Casablanca).
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance