Paris Scams | How To Avoid These 9 Travel Scams

Paris is a dream destination which also makes it a hotspot for scammers and their tricks. Paris scams are real. They catch you off guard. It can happen to you. It can happen to anyone. It happened to me, twice. I fell for the Paris bracelet scam and also had a Velib bicycle stolen within two minutes of leaning it against a wall.

Even as someone who has lived in Paris for four years, I still get approached. On a recent trip to Montmartre, three of these 9 Paris tourist scams were in full swing.

As you explore this enchanting metropolis and its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum, it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge to avoid falling victim to common scams in Paris.

9 Paris Tourist Scams

1. Paris Scams: Friendship Bracelets

Really – who doesn’t want a fun, multi-coloured string bracelet?

Not when you get it like this…

I have seen this Paris scam in action multiple times, including just a few weeks ago, and each time I am shocked at how aggressive these Paris scammers are. These “Paris bracelet guys” are definitely ones to avoid.

I’ve only seen this Paris tourist scam at Sacre-Coeur and this is how it goes. A group of men heads toward you, colourful strings in hand. Speaking at you, they step straight into your personal space. I’ve heard them say things such as, “Hakuna Matata. I work for a church.” or “Are you American? Dutch?”

I’ve learned to put up my hand and say, “Absolutely NOT,” in a loud aggressive voice and increase the speed at which I’m walking to get away from them.

My Personal Experience with This Paris Tourist Scam

The first time I saw this tourist scam in Paris, I made the mistake of engaging in conversation with the man and before I knew it, the Paris bracelet was tied on my wrist. He demanded money. So I decided to give him a couple of Euros. He was adamant that the bracelet cost €15. I told him I didn’t want it. He told me it was too late. Somehow on that sunny evening, I just stalled. He was pretty intimidating. I was on my own. I dug back into my wallet, incredulous at what my hand was doing. I handed over fifteen euros.

I knew I had been totally taken. I was so annoyed. In the end, I decided that my expensive Paris friendship bracelet was a minor price to pay for a HUGE reminder to be on alert for Paris scams.

How To Avoid The Bracelet Scam In Paris:

• Keep your hands in your pocket or by your side.
• Don’t engage in conversation
• Don’t give eye contact.
• Apparently, once it is tied on, the friendship bracelet can be removed with the pull of one string.

2. Paris Tourist Scams: Stealing Your Bike

It’s just a thrill to ride a bike through Paris and along the banks of the Seine. I started renting Velib Metropole bicycles in Paris and on one of my first outings, leant my bicycle up against a wall before turning my back to take a photo. In an instant, my bike was gone.

What’s even more shocking about this Paris scam is that there was virtually no one in the street. But obviously, there was a thief that I was unaware of.

How To Avoid This Tourist Scam In Paris:

• Lock your bike even if it is for a millisecond that you are stepping away from it. Every Parisian has a bicycle theft story.
• Use the handy lock on the Velib bike that is hidden in the handle. Watch the video in my post.
• Don’t leave anything in the bicycle basket if you are locking your Velib bike.

3. Paris Scams: The Fake Petition

The Paris petition scam goes like this.

Often it is a group of about three women that will approach you, clipboard in hand.

“Do you speak English?” is the opening line.

Say, “No.” Even, of course, if you do speak English.

Of all the Paris scams, this one is everywhere.

At Notre Dame.

The Louvre. The Eiffel Tower. The banks of the Seine. And at Sacré-Coeur.

They want you to sign a petition.

They are very persistent. There is usually a group of young women operating this Paris scam. With clipboards in hand, they ask you to sign for some cause and to donate money. If you do choose to sign, you can be quite sure that as you concentrate on filling in the form, another member of the group is pickpocketing you. A double whammy of a Paris tourist scam.

How To Avoid The Petition Scam In Paris:

• Don’t sign.
• Don’t engage.
• Say you don’t speak English!
• Try this line: “Non, madam” and walk away.

4. Paris Tourist Scams: The Cup and Ball Trick

Strolling the bridges in Paris is part of the magic but, stay aware.

I watched this Paris scam, the cup and ball trick, in Montmartre and on the Pont des Arts, a lovely pedestrian bridge perfect for lingering. There are three small boxes and one ball in this tourist scam. The main scammer shuffles the boxes around at lightning speed.

Under which box will the ball appear after the shuffle? Place your bet. Guess correctly? You double your money. Someone from the crowd wins! Great encouragement for others in the group to keep betting. There is a lot of smooth-talking and hand signals happening here.

And so it continues.

Once the tourists dissipate, it is quite clear that there is a group of about 5 men running this Paris tourist scam. And, you guessed it, the man from the crowd who won? He is part of the gang. It’s all a setup. Definitely a scam in Paris to avoid.

How To Avoid Paris Scams:

• Just don’t engage in this Paris scam.
• You definitely won’t win, even if the guy beside you does.
• Don’t even watch as you are setting yourself up to be pickpocketed.

5. Pickpocketing In Paris

How common is pickpocketing in Paris? Very. I have recently heard of so many people being pickpocketed in Paris. Every story is about a Parisian who has suffered Paris scams in their home city. They’ve lost cell phones, computers, earbuds on the Métro, or a package at a café. At a café the other day, the waiter came around and warned everyone to watch their bags and wallets. Pickpocketing is alive and well in Paris.

Like any big city, Paris’s streets can be very crowded. I am comfortable walking through Paris with my backpack or a purse that is zipped tight. I know my wallet is in the depths, inaccessible to light fingers. But walking by Notre Dame, the Parisian I was walking with insisted I wear my backpack on the front. If that doesn’t say it all.

Pickpocketing is a slick art and happens on the Métro and in high tourist traffic areas.

How To Avoid Pickpocketing In Paris:

• Wear a cross-body bag. This one is for men and women. This purse is a travel anti-theft shoulder bag. There are multiple advantages of a crossbody bag, but especially to tuck it under your arm for safekeeping on the Paris métro.
• Separate your valuables – use a money belt (I am not a fan of something around my waist so I have opted to use a neck wallet like this one); my favourite is the small bra stash big enough for that extra credit card and some cash; leave some valuables in your room safe or in your locked luggage.

• Do not put anything in your pockets or the outside pouches of your handbag or backpack. If you are a pocket person, try using this hidden pocket that attaches to your belt.

• In crowded places, move your bag securely towards the front of your body. Hug it securely under one arm. Cross the other arm over the first.

• Wear your day pack on your chest in crowded areas.

• Be wary – find that lovely balance of totally enjoying the experience but stay alert to the people around you.

6. Scams In Paris: Stealing Your Phone Or Bag

An integral part of life in Paris is café life. It’s perfect for meeting a friend, observing Parisian culture like a true flâneur, and for sipping, writing and relaxing. But, watch your things.

Place your cell phone and purse in a strategic place away from easy access to passers-by. Keep your purse over your shoulder. And don’t leave your cell phone on the table, especially at an outside table on a busy street.

This is one of the common scams in Paris.

How To Avoid This Scam In Paris:

• Do not leave any bags or daypacks unattended under café tables.
• Tuck bags between your feet or between a wall and your chair
• Never leave your cell phone on the table at a café.

7. Paris Scams: Cab Drivers

All cities have the most reliable and wonderful cab drivers and also the ones that will take you for a ride – literally.

Arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport one evening, I knew I was taking the Roissy Bus to Paris. Several eager cab drivers approached me. When I told them I was taking the Roissy bus, they replied, “C’est fini,” indicating that it was not running anymore that day.

I knew it was. I had checked the schedule in advance. The experience left me not trusting cab drivers.

If you do plan to use a cab from the airport, only use ones that have a meter or risk being overcharged. Know your prices. There is a Flat Rate for Service from Charles de Gaulle into Paris. It costs 55€ to get to the Right Bank and 62€ for a taxi to the Left Bank. Before getting in the taxi verify with the driver the price you will be paying.

How To Avoid Taxi Scams in Paris:

• Check with your hotel/ Air BnB as to the best way to get there.
• Know if you are going to the Left Bank or the Right Bank
• Consider taking public transportation. There are plenty of signs directing you to public transportation
• Use the Roissy Bus or RER train to get to the city. Both are easy to find and take.

8. Scams In Paris: Fake Metro Tickets

Yes, apparently people will sell you already-used tickets. These scammers in Paris are clever. They might even be wearing a uniform.

How To Avoid This Scam In Paris:

• Do not engage with anyone who approaches you and tries to help you buy tickets.
• Use the ticket vending machines.
• Go to the counter and ask for help.
• Read: How to Ride the Métro Like a Pro.

9. Paris Tourist Scams: Gold Ring Trick

This is a very common scam in Paris. Someone (usually a woman) approaches you and picks up a gold ring from the ground asking if you dropped a ring.

When you say, “No” she looks at the carat sign on the ring and asks if you would like to buy it. Persistently and convincingly, she will try to get you to take it. If you do, she will demand payment. And then it’s hard to give back, just like my Paris friendship bracelet.

How To Avoid The Gold Ring Scam In Paris:

• Walk away.
• If you are feeling rather bold, possibly when asked if you dropped a ring answer, “Yes!” and see what transpires.

How can I avoid being scammed in Paris? Being aware of these 9 Paris scams is a start.

Don’t let these common Paris scams dampen your spirit or hold you back from exploring Paris. Now you know which scams in Paris to avoid.

I hope these travel tips help you avoid Paris scams on your next trip to Paris.

Until next time,

More Travel Info

My Paris arrondissement guide will help you figure out where to go and what to do!

Montmartre, much like Ile Saint- Louis, feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.

Le Marais is one of the oldest areas of Paris. Once marshland, it is hopping with boutiques, cafés, gorgeous old mansions and museums. Read my full guide to le Marais and also insider Marais tips from a local.

Ile Saint-Louis is still one of my favourite spots in Paris. On Pont Saint-Louis, you’ll almost always find some street music.

And Montparnasse. Most people think of the tall black tower looming over the Paris skyline or the train station. This guide on Montparnasse uncovers some marvellous things to discover in the 14th arrondissement.

If you like being by the water, Ile aux Cygnes in the Seine might be for you! The Statue of Liberty, views of the Eiffel Tower and locals walking their dogs!

Wondering what to do in the Eiffel Tower district after you’ve visited the Iron Lady? Here’s my full guide to the 7th arrondissement.

If you are looking for food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. And, if you have a sweet tooth like me, check out these best pâtisseries to try. There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local. And if you are exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite or to find the fixings for a picnic.

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.

If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France

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Author: Alison BrowneCreator and Founder of Dreamer at Heart Alison, a Francophile from a young age, is following a long-held dream and has been living in Paris since 2020. Her passion for uncovering Paris and discovering the regions of France has resulted in an expertise about France that she loves to share in her articles. Also a solo traveller, Alison shares her experiences of solo travel to many corners of the world. Alison helps over 65000 readers a month plan their trips.

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