7 Paris Scams to Watch Out For
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – it is decadent, glamorous, and full of lovely, buttery croissants.
But Paris is also full of tourists, and because of that, there are a lot of tourist scams. Most of these aren’t dangerous, but they can be annoying – nothing is worse than knowing you lost a few Euros to a scam, which could have been spent on a long, wine-filled Parisian lunch.
Luckily, I’ve never fallen victim to any of these, but that’s only because I had read up on common Paris scams before visiting, so I knew what to expect. Read on for the most common tourist scams to be aware of in Paris, and how to avoid them.
1. The Cotton Ring/Bracelet Scam
This almost happened to me on our first trip to Paris, at the Sacré-Cœur.
The scammers approach people in tourist areas and tie a bracelet or ring around their wrist or finger, usually without asking whether they want it. The bracelet is made of cotton thread (ie, it is worthless), but they then aggressively demand payment for it.
This happened just as we were exiting the Sacré-Cœur, and they spoke to us in English, trying to tie a piece of red string around my wrist, and saying that it was “tradition”. Of course, there is no such tradition (unless you count the tradition of scamming unsuspecting tourists). They might also say that it is a “friendship bracelet”.
Luckily, we had read about this scam before our trip, so I was able to give a firm, very well-practiced “Non!” when we were approached, and they left us alone. Usually, this does the trick, and they shouldn’t continue to bother you.
2. The Fake Petitions Scam
We had also read about this scam before our first trip to Paris, so when we saw people with clipboards approaching tourists (also outside the Sacré-Cœur), we gave them a wide berth.
Scammers approach tourists, usually speaking English, and holding a clipboard with a petition (which is also usually in English). They are often young and seem like students. The petitions are quite generic, along the lines of “I believe that we should end world hunger”. Basically, things that everyone is likely to agree with.
If you sign the petition, the scammers demand money and seem very offended if you don’t give them any. Tourists are then guilt-tripped into “donating” to a very murky cause.
Ignore people who approach you with clipboards at tourist areas. If you want to donate to any cause, make sure you do it online, where you can verify that it is legitimate.
3. The Train Strike Scam
This seems to happen a lot in the Gare du Nord (I’ve experienced it twice), but I imagine it also happens in other large train stations.
Basically, a lost-looking tourist asks for directions or for help buying a ticket from the very confusing ticket machines. The answer will always be that the trains are on strike today, and that you need to take a taxi, which is a lot more expensive.
It is easy to fall for this – there are frequent strikes in Paris. Plus, on both occasions when I experienced this, nobody approached me, which would usually be a red flag. I had simply looked around and asked the first friendly-looking, slightly official-looking person for help.
On the first occasion, I was with my husband, and we weren’t in a rush to get anywhere, so we decided to take the chance that the trains were running (and of course, they were).
On the second occasion, I was alone, trying to buy a ticket to the airport from a French ticket machine, nervous about getting to the airport on time, and equally nervous about buying the wrong ticket and getting a fine.
Luckily, I remembered that this is a common scam, and eventually, I used my broken French to speak to a very kind cleaner who worked in the station, who told me that the trains were running and helped me buy the right ticket.
Basically, if anyone tells you that the trains aren’t running, be aware that they might just be trying to drum up business for taxi drivers. Google it if you can, or ask somebody in a ticket office, not somebody just hanging around the station.
Also, keep in mind that if the trains weren’t running, the station probably wouldn’t be very busy. Lastly, do yourself a favour and buy your airport tickets online, in advance.
4. The Gold Ring Scam
The oldest trick in the book! This is one of the more well-known scams in Paris.
Basically, somebody will pretend to find a gold ring on the ground, and will ask you if it is yours. They will then insist that you keep it, and if you do, they will return and demand some money in exchange. The trinket is, naturally, worth nothing.
Ignore anybody who approaches you with a ring or anything else – they may also do it with wallets, other jewellery, or flowers.
5. The Shell (Cup) Game Scam
I’ve seen this game being played occasionally in Paris, but I have never stopped to watch (having read that it is often a tourist scam). I was fascinated to learn that it dates back to Ancient Greece!
It looks like an ordinary game of chance – three cups are set up in a row, a ball is placed underneath one of them, and then they are shuffled. You play by placing a bet on where you think the ball will end up.
What makes it seem legitimate is that you might see someone else win just before you play – be warned, those people are usually in on it, and you cannot win! Just avoid this one – if you stop to watch, you will be encouraged to join in.
6. The Fake Tickets Scam
I’ve luckily never encountered this in Paris, but it is a common scam.
Somebody stands in a touristy area and says that they have a spare ticket for a tourist attraction or for the train, which they would like to sell. Naturally, it turns out to be fake.
Buy your train tickets at train stations or on Apple Wallet. Don’t buy tickets for any tourist attractions from random people on street corners.
7. Pickpockets
Ok, so pickpockets aren’t strictly a scam, but they’re on this list because they are something you should be aware of and watch out for in Paris (just like in any big city).
They operate in crowded areas, like on the Métro, and often target tourists, who may be distracted trying to navigate a foreign city. I have been pickpocketed before (not in Paris), and it is amazing how talented pickpockets are at relieving you of your wallet without you realising.
I take a small cross-body bag when I travel, and I put my hands over it when I’m in a crowded area. I never use a backpack, because they often make you look like a tourist (which makes you a target for all of the scams on this list), and because having all your valuables behind you isn’t a good idea.
People sometimes tell me that they padlock their backpacks, but I still think this isn’t a great option, as pickpockets are not above cutting into backpacks.
The Magic Words When All Else Fails
I remember walking through Paris on my first trip, remembering the scams I had read about, and racking my brain trying to remember how to say “go away” in French (before the days of being able to do a quick Google on your phone).
My husband helpfully reminded me that a loud “f*** off!” is universally understood by everyone, which I found remarkably reassuring. Keep that in mind if anyone bothers you.
Rather than wasting your money on scammers, spend it on some Parisian treats.