Originally Posted by Phil the Flyer

I write as someone who travels into / out of CAI very frequently.

I cannot begin to imagine how the OP got as far as the gate without a 'proper' boarding pass - even if the OP was travelling with hand baggage only surely he would have had to present himself at the BA check-in desk at CAI T1 (at which time BA would have issued a boarding pass) to obtain and complete a card to submit at passport control.

As for 'scams' and other shady goings-on my advice would be to have your wits about you at CAI, politely but firmly refuse all attempts to relieve you of money, and keep all your valuables in your hand baggage from before the time you enter the terminal building until you are on board the bus (if departing from T1) to the aircraft. Small baksheesh (e.g. EGP10 / GBP1) for services rendered is a part of life in Egypt, and should not be confused with demands for larger payments.