Phone Scams Targeting Tourists in Marrakech
In recent reports, a group of French tourists, organized under the Collective for the Defense of Scam Victims in Marrakech (CDVAM), have brought to light a troubling scheme involving fraudulent phone calls that exploit their credit cards under the guise of providing vacations in the picturesque city of Marrakech. According to estimates, the total amount stolen through these scams has reached an alarming twenty million euros over the past fifteen years. The distressing case of an elderly retiree named Jean has been highlighted, who claims to have lost a staggering 7,500 euros, while another couple from Côte-d’Or reported losses of 25,000 euros.
Investigative coverage by Libération reveals that these scams are primarily executed through phishing calls, utilizing phone lines rented by a company named Kav El International, which is registered in Israel. This company purchases large batches of phone numbers and subsequently sells them to call centers or other third parties. Such practices have been frequently reported in relation to unsolicited marketing and travel scams.
Victims have reported receiving enticing offers for discounted stays in Marrakech. For instance, 81-year-old Jean described a phone call informing him that he had won a prize, which led to an enticing offer of a week-long stay in Marrakech for just 500 euros, to be paid upfront for a half-board package. However, upon arriving, the costs escalated significantly. Following an initial complaint, Jean's lawyer, Me Charlotte Patrigeon, is contemplating further legal action that would involve additional charges such as "abuse of weakness leading to organized fraud," arguing that the funds were taken through psychological manipulation.
Many other victims are striving to reclaim their lost funds, but banks often argue that their clients failed to adequately protect their information. Alarmingly, these fraudulent practices were already reported to the French Ministry of Justice by MP M’jid El Guerrab in February 2022.
In response to the growing concern over unsolicited commercial telemarketing, France has implemented a ban on such practices since August 11 of this year, unless there is an existing contract with the business in question. This move aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices and promote a safer environment for potential tourists.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
