Watch out for petition scammers near the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur who demand money after you sign. Avoid unsolicited bracelets or “found” gold rings—these come with pressure to pay. Skip street games in Montmartre; they’re rigged. Stay alert in crowded metros and use only licensed taxis at airports. Keep your belongings secure and say “désolé” firmly to unsolicited offers. Knowing these common tricks helps you stay one step ahead.
TLDR
- Avoid clipboard petitioners near landmarks—they may demand money after you sign, with no real charity involved.
- Never accept unsolicited bracelets; they’re often tied on quickly, followed by aggressive payment demands.
- Ignore street games like Three Card Monte, often rigged by teams using fake winners to lure tourists.
- Only use licensed taxis at marked ranks; verify the TAXI sign, G7 logo, and insist on metered or fixed fares.
- Stay alert near crowded metros and monuments—scammers use distractions to pick pockets or plant items.
Spot Fake Petition Scams in Paris
You’ve probably seen them the moment you step off the metro or approach a major landmark—someone rushes over with a clipboard, flashing a petition that looks official and asking for your signature. It’s likely a scam.
They’ll demand cash after you sign, but no charity exists.
These scams happen near the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Louvre.
Stay alert, say no, and walk away.
A distraction technique is often used to enable pickpocketing.
Keep your belongings secure and allow extra time when moving through crowded areas to avoid changing terminals.
Stop the Free Bracelet Scam Before It Starts
You’re walking up the steps near Sacré-Cœur when a young man casually says, “Hey, what’s up?” and reaches for your wrist.
These groups often work in teams, quickly tying a bracelet on you while demanding money to remove it—don’t let them get that far.
Stay alert, keep your hands in your pockets, and walk with confidence to avoid becoming a target.
Consider avoiding crowded tourist spots like Maya Bay during peak season when opportunistic scams increase.
Free Bracelet Trap
Often found at the base of the stairs leading up to Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, the free bracelet scam targets unwary tourists with a deceptively friendly approach. A scammer offers a free friendship bracelet, then demands money after tying it on.
They distract you while an accomplice pickpockets. Avoid eye contact, keep moving, and never accept unsolicited gifts. Stay alert in crowded areas.
How To Resist
Stay one step ahead by shutting down the scam before it begins. Keep moving, ignore offers, and say “désolé” firmly. Avoid eye contact and don’t let anyone touch you.
Watch for distractions—accomplices may steal while you’re distracted. Refuse free bracelets, decline dropped coins, and walk away fast.
Stay alert, protect your belongings, and report pressure to authorities. Freedom means staying independent, informed, and in control.
Avoid the Gold Ring Scam on the Seine
You’re walking along the Seine when a ring clinks at your feet, and someone nearby quickly picks it up, insisting it must be yours. They claim it’s precious—maybe even gold—and offer it as a gift, but once you take it, they demand money for food or as a “fair exchange.”
Don’t be fooled: the ring is fake, and refusing it or walking away is your best move. Traveling with items that still have residue can increase the chance of legal trouble and confiscation.
How It Works
While walking near the Seine or other popular spots like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, you might catch a scammer’s attention as they stage a seemingly random uncovering just ahead of you.
They “find” a gold-looking ring, offer it to you for free, then ask for money after you accept. It’s actually a brass ring, worthless. They pressure you with guilt, not force.
Stay aware, don’t take unsolicited gifts, and walk away.
How To Respond
A scammer might approach you near the Seine with a shiny ring in hand, pretending to have just found it moments before.
Say no firmly, shake your head, and keep walking.
Don’t stop, speak, or accept the ring.
Pull away if touched, step back, and stay aware.
Use eye contact, make noise if needed, and report persistent attempts to police.
Outsmart Pickpockets at Tourist Sites
Often, pickpockets strike where tourists gather in the greatest numbers, relying on distraction and crowding to snatch wallets, phones, and passports.
You can outsmart them by staying alert at sites like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. Keep cash under $60, use inside pockets, and avoid phone use in crowds.
Limit cards and ID.
Stay aware on subways and trains, where swarm tactics thrive. Also, when traveling by air, consider packing bulky items like hiking poles in checked luggage to avoid issues at security checkpoints.
Skip Street Game Scams in Montmartre
Watch out for fast-moving street scams the moment you step onto the steps of Square Louise-Michel in Montmartre.
Scammers run rigged games like Three Card Monte, using shells or cups to hide a ball, often charging €50 to play.
Teams, sometimes up to 10 members, include actors pretending to win.
Others tie bracelets on you and demand payment.
Just say no, keep walking, and don’t engage.
Most hotels operate with 24-hour staffing, so if you need to leave the area quickly or seek help after a late arrival, you can usually find assistance at your accommodation.
Dodge Fake Taxis at Airports and Stations
Steer clear of fake taxis the moment you exit arrivals at Paris airports or train stations, where scammers target tired travelers with convincing tricks.
Avoid drivers shouting “taxi” or wearing no uniform—they’re not official.
Follow blue footprints to licensed ranks, where flat rates to the city center are 55–62 euros.
Verify the TAXI sign and G7 logo, insist on the meter or fixed fare, and always demand a receipt to stay safe.
If you’re traveling without standard ID, arrive early and be prepared for additional screening at security and document checks.
Know the Top Scams in Paris (And Where They Happen)
While exploring Paris’s iconic landmarks and busy streets, you’ll want to stay alert to several common scams that target unsuspecting tourists.
Pickpockets operate in crowded metros and attractions like the Eiffel Tower, using distractions to steal unguarded bags.
Scammers may offer free bracelets at Sacré-Cœur, then demand payment.
Others fake lost gold rings or petitions to trick you.
Avoid engagement, secure precious items, and walk away firmly.
What to Do If You’re Scammed in Paris
If you fall victim to a scam in Paris, staying composed is your first step toward resolving the situation.
Call 17 for emergencies or 112 for help, preserve evidence, and avoid contact with scammers.
File a report online at masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr if it’s theft or an unknown perpetrator.
Cancel bank cards, monitor accounts, and contact your embassy.
Report fraud to OLAF if it involves EU elements.
And Finally
You now know the most common scams in Paris and where they happen. Stay alert in crowded areas, avoid unsolicited offers, and trust official services. If someone approaches you suddenly, walk away. Keep your belongings secure and your documents hidden. Should you get scammed, report it immediately to local authorities or your embassy. Staying informed helps you enjoy Paris safely, without surprises.
