Ep 6. Marrakech

In Scam City season 1 episode 6, host Conor Woodman takes viewers to the exotic city of Marrakech, located in Morocco, North Africa. Marrakech is known for its bustling markets, colorful spices, intricate architecture and traditional Moroccan hospitality. However, it is also known for its scams and tricks that tourists fall prey to.

Woodman begins his journey by visiting the famous market square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where he witnesses the simmering life of the city. The marketplace is an immense maze of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Woodman notes the numerous food stalls that line the market and the aggressive behavior of vendors trying to lure tourists to dine with them.

Next, in the alleys adjoining the marketplace, Woodman meets a group of young, street-smart crooks who have devised clever ways of scamming gullible tourists. The host witnesses up close how pickpockets use different tactics to get their hands on foreign travelers' wallets. He watches as a young boy snatches a pair of sunglasses from a woman's purse and flees the scene before they could even comprehend what had occurred. Woodman also warns travelers about locals who pretend to be helpful and provide directions or carry a traveler's suitcase for them. They then demand money for their services, which is often extraordinary compared to the work done.

Woodman then meets with the police force of Marrakech, who are tasked with protecting tourists from scams and thieves. He gets to know about some of the most notorious scamming techniques in the city, such as the “henna ladies” who grab unsuspecting tourists and paint their hands with decorative henna while charging outrageous amounts. Another scam involves a traveler's clothes being soiled, and bystanders claiming that the stain is "bird droppings" as a means of deterring the tourists. They offer to clean the stain but demand the travelers' wallets in return before leaving the scene.

In his quest to expose the scams, Woodman also meets a group of con artists posing as camel handlers outside the city and charging high prices for an experience with these animals. The host warns viewers against these imposters and advises them to opt for professional and authorized camel handlers instead.

Conor also visits the outskirts of Marrakech and interacts with the rural population where he acknowledges the significance of olive oil production in the region. Woodman meets a local family who produce olive oil and learns about the arduous work required to make premium olive oil. He also discovers the traditional Moroccan methods of preparing mint tea and is served the same with a sheep's head delicacy.

In the final segment, Woodman visits the souks, where he becomes acquainted with the art of haggling. The souks are markets selling a wide variety of goods, ranging from carpets, leather goods, pottery, lamps, and more. Woodman advises travelers to research prices beforehand, and be cautious of the many imitations that are sold. The episode ends with an in-depth knowledge of almost every scam used in the city, and how to avoid them.

In the dynamic city of Marrakech, Conor Woodman skillfully navigates around fraudulent activities to protect travelers from draining their pockets. The host's insights and experiences unveil the many tricks pulled by the locals that would have otherwise left tourists who aren't aware susceptible to falling prey to them. The episode serves as a warning to travelers to be mindful and alert in unfamiliar surroundings.