Marrakech travel scam targets retirees, totaling 20 million euros

A large-scale travel scam targeting retirees in Marrakech has reportedly resulted in the theft of approximately 20 million euros over the last 15 years. The Collective for the Defense of Victims of Scams in Marrakech (CDVAM) is representing hundreds of victims who have lost significant sums of money.

Victims often report being contacted with enticing promotional offers for stays in Morocco. In one instance, an 81-year-old man lost 7,500 euros after initially paying 500 euros for a promised holiday that never materialized. Other victims have reported losses as high as 25,000 euros. The fraudulent agencies frequently change names but often include the word ‘Travel’ in their branding. The scams often involve deceptive practices both during the booking process and upon arrival in the country.