Scams To Avoid in Paris

When you’re traveling and stand out as a non-local, be it because you pose for pictures in front of well-known sights or walk around camera and map in hand, there are people who like to take advantage. In Paris, I have come across a few scams myself, while others were tried out on friends.

There’s no need to be scared, but do be aware, and hold onto your valuables at all times.

Scams to watch out for in Paris:

• The Gold Ring Scam
• The Free Bracelet Scam
• The Petition Scam
• The Leaflet Approach
• The Three Cups Game Con
• Young Phone Thieves on the Metro
• Unofficial Airport Taxis
• Beggars

The Gold Ring Scam

I was walking along the Champs de Mars with my daughter when a man in front of us suddenly bent down and appeared to pick a ring up off the ground. He showed it to me, and when I took it to examine it more closely, he immediately demanded money. I tried to give the ring back, but he kept insisting. In the end, I got angry and threw the ring at him then rushed off. So, if someone shows you a ring — don’t even look at it!

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The Free Bracelet Scam

This is a common one, particularly in Montmartre. Someone approaches you with a string friendship bracelet, claiming it is to give you good luck. Before you know it, he or she grabs your arm and ties it around your wrist, so tight that you can’t get it off. They then ask you for money. So, be wary of people carrying bundles of long strings in their hands. Best not to stop and look, you might get an unwanted bracelet!

The Petition Scam

Often carried out by a group of girls who approach you with a clipboard, this scam seeks to distract you by making you sign a petition to help people with disabilities or to fight some evil in the world. If you make the mistake of signing, they will generally relieve you of some of your valuables. In another version, they’ll demand you give money to their “cause” as soon as you sign. A good rule of thumb? Avoid people with clipboards!

The Leaflet Approach

While I was getting coffee, my daughter was approached by a woman asking her to look at a leaflet. The lady placed a second leaflet on the table and when my daughter sent her away, the woman collected her papers. That’s when my daughter realized that her phone — which had been sitting under the other leaflet — was in the woman’s hand!

Luckily, she noticed right away and was able to grab her phone in time. So a word to the wise, don’t leave your phone out on the table when sitting on a café terrace in Paris!

The Three Cups Con

This is a common gambling scam, where a ball, or something similar, is placed under one of the three cups. The con artist then shuffles the cups around and asks you to indicate which cup is covering the object. But isn’t as straightforward as it looks — the person manipulating the cups is actually working with some of the bystanders. What seems like an easy game ends, and as soon as you join in, it becomes a trick in which you will lose any money you bet.

Kids on the Metro

If you look around while riding the metro in Paris, you’ll notice nearly everyone is engrossed in their phone. Apparently, groups of thieves now work with children who will hop on the train, grab your phone, then squeeze back out through the closing doors as the metro is about to leave the station. With your phone in hand, they then join the rest of their gang on the platform. So it might be a good idea to keep your phone tucked away while on the metro.

Unofficial Airport Taxis

This is a simple scam that takes place at airports around the world, and unfortunately it happens in Paris too. In this situation, someone approaches you upon your arrival, asking if you need a taxi. Please do not go with these people, as they will overcharge you. Only use the official taxis from the stands, which have fixed prices from the airport (Orly – Paris Right Bank: 44€, Orly – Paris Left Bank: 36€; CDG – Paris Right Bank: 56€, CDG – Paris Left Bank: 65€). A legitimate Paris taxi driver will not come inside the airport to try to find customers. 

Beggars

Yes, Paris, like most big cities, has a significant homeless population. But there are also many charlatans going around who work with gangs. Typically, they’re dropped off in the morning and picked up at night after a full day’s work of begging. Look out especially for those with sedated rabbits, cats, or small dogs by their sides. If you spend a little time in Paris, you’ll quickly get to know the difference between those who need help and those who are just profiting from your compassion.

Now that you know what to look out for to keep you and your wallet safe, check out these other practical Paris travel tips to ensure you have a smooth stay in the City of Light.