Marriage and Love Scams in Egypt: How They Work and How to Stay Safe

Egypt is a country of rich history and warm hospitality, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, some foreigners, particularly women, may become targets of marriage and love scams. These scams are often orchestrated by individuals seeking financial gain, immigration benefits, or other personal advantages. Understanding how these scams work, recognising red flags, and knowing how to protect yourself can help prevent falling victim. It is important to mention that most women travelling on their own will be approached by men with the intention to love scam them.

How Marriage and Love Scams Work in Egypt

Scammers often target foreign women, especially those who visit as tourists, through online platforms, social media, or in person at tourist destinations. The scam typically follows a pattern:

  1. Initial Contact and Rapid Romance
    • Scammers primarily approach in person at hotels, restaurants, or tourist attractions.  They may also use social media and dating apps.  They will often work at the hotels in different areas such as bars or entertainers.  They can also look for women in bars or even on the street often calling out “where are you from” in order to start a conversation.
    • Age gaps are very common with some scammers targeting victims 20 and 30 years older.  This is not always the case and they will often target younger and more naive girls.  
    • They often declare their love quickly and push for a serious relationship within days or weeks.
  2. Emotional Manipulation
    • The scammer may create an emotional connection, often sharing tragic personal stories or exaggerated hardships to gain sympathy.
    • They may claim to come from a modest background, using their financial situation as leverage to gain financial support.
  3. Requests for Money or Favourable Legal Status
    • Once trust is built, scammers may ask for money, claiming it’s for an emergency, medical treatment, family crisis, or business investment.
    • Some may seek marriage to obtain foreign residency or visa benefits.
  4. Orfi Marriages and Legal Loopholes
    • In many cases, scammers may propose an Orfi marriage, a customary but legally weak marriage contract that does not grant the foreign spouse proper rights.
    • Orfi marriages can be used as a way to take advantage of foreign women without legally binding responsibilities.
  5. Disappearance or Exploitation
    • Once the scammer has received financial benefits or obtained what they need (such as a visa application in process), they may disappear.
    • In some cases, the scammer remains in the relationship but continues to exploit the victim financially or emotionally.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Being able to recognise warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to a scam:

  • Fast-paced relationship: The scammer rushes the relationship, professing love within a very short time.
  • Financial requests: They ask for money, gifts, or financial help for emergencies, visas, or investments.  These request start small and quickly escalate. 
  • Avoiding transparency: They refuse to introduce you to their family or keep certain aspects of their life secret.
  • Pressure for marriage: They push for an Orfi marriage instead of a legally recognised marriage.
  • Conflicting stories: Inconsistencies in their personal background, financial situation, or past relationships.
  • Repeated failed relationships with foreigners: A history of past marriages or relationships with foreigners that ended suspiciously.
  • Alienating their victims from family and friends:  Often telling them that the police will put them in jail and that they are their only protector.

How to Protect Yourself

To stay safe from love and marriage scams in Egypt, consider the following precautions:

  • Do your research: Learn about Egyptian marriage laws and ensure any union is legally recognised.
  • Take your time: Avoid rushing into a serious relationship, especially one involving marriage.
  • Never send or give money: No matter how convincing their story, avoid sending money or making financial commitments. Not even small amounts.  Egyptian men are proud and would never take money from women unless they’re scammers.  
  • Meet the family: A genuine partner will introduce you to their family and community.
  • Legalise the marriage properly: If you intend to marry, ensure the marriage is properly registered with the Egyptian Civil Registry.
  • Consult a lawyer: Seek legal advice before signing any marriage contract, particularly an Orfi contract.
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Be cautious and seek advice from trusted sources.

What Legal Steps Can Be Taken to Recover Money?

If you have been scammed out of money under false pretences of love or marriage, there are legal options available in Egypt:

  • Filing a Police Report: Victims can file a complaint with the Egyptian police, providing evidence such as messages, bank transfers, and witness statements. The police will investigate and may take action if fraud or deception is proven. The police are extremely keen to crack down on this kind of fraud and filling a report is highly recommended.
  • Legal Action for Fraud: Under Egyptian law, obtaining money through deception or false promises is a criminal offence. Taking money under the promise of love and deception is regarded by judges very dimly. We can assist in filing a legal claim to recover lost funds. We have a very high success rates securing judgements where assets acquired only in the scammer’s name with money from the victim are transferred to the victim by the judge.
  • Civil Lawsuit: Victims can file a lawsuit demanding compensation for financial losses due to fraud. If a contract was involved (such as an Orfi marriage with financial promises), we can challenge its validity.
  • Embassy Assistance: Foreign victims should also report the scam to their respective embassy, which may provide guidance on legal steps and liaise with Egyptian authorities on their behalf.

What Will the Egyptian Police Do?

When a victim reports a scam to the Egyptian police, they will:

  • Record the complaint and review any provided evidence.
  • Conduct an investigation, which may include summoning the accused individual for questioning.
  • If sufficient evidence of fraud exists, the scammer may be prosecuted under Egyptian law.
  • In cases where significant amounts of money have been taken, authorities may pursue criminal charges leading to fines or imprisonment.

However, outcomes may vary depending on the strength of the evidence, the presence of formal contracts, and other legal factors. Having a lawyer familiar with Egyptian law can significantly improve the chances of recovering lost funds and holding the scammer accountable.

Conclusion

While many relationships between foreign women and Egyptian men are genuine, it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions. We encourage foreigners that have fallen prey to these scams to take action legally and with the police. These scams are extremely common. 90% of lone women on holiday in Egypt are approached by love scammers. The Egyptian government is keen to curtail this practice and have put strict laws in place for your safety.

We are able to help in two fronts. We will come with you to the police station to make sure the police act according to your rights. We will also take your case to court to recover your money and possible assets. Our fees start at $100 US Dollars or EGP equivalent plus court fees. We will discuss your case and fees upfront during our free consultation.

You can contact us by phone, Whatapp or using the form below.

× How can I help you?