11 Common Tourist Scams In Paris (And How To Avoid Them)

Do you want to know the most common tourist scams in Paris and how to avoid them?

Famous for its historical sites, cultural offerings, and delectable cuisine, Paris ranks among the world’s top tourist hotspots. However, just like in any other popular tourist spot, there are dishonest people looking to take advantage of travelers.

Today,  we will discuss the most popular scams in Paris that visitors may face and offer advice on how to prevent them. Maintaining vigilance and knowledge will help make your time in Paris safe and rewarding.

11 Common Scams In Paris (And How To Avoid Them)

Common Scams In Paris

In order to have a safe and pleasurable trip to Paris, it is vital for travelers to be aware of several classic tourist scams. Here are some common scams that target tourists in Paris:

1. Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is rampant in crowded places in Paris, such as the subway, tourist hotspots, and busy streets. Pickpockets typically operate in groups and employ diversionary tactics like deliberately colliding with unsuspecting tourists, feigning a need for directions or a signature, or acting overly nice.

Tourists who seem oblivious or who have expensive equipment like cameras, phones, or wallets in their back pockets are common prey.

To avoid being a target, don’t use your phone while in public transport or walking around Paris. Keep your valuables as close to your body as possible like in the inner pocket of a jacket, or invest in an anti-theft bag.

2. Gold (or silver) Ring

The gold ring scam one of those common tourist scams in Paris that is the most annoying, yet it is very prevalent in the French capital.

It is most likely to occur while you are strolling along the Seine, in the area surrounding the Louvre, or close to the Eiffel Tower. A stranger will walk up to you, holding a gold ring. They will claim to have stumbled upon it and ask if it belongs to you.

Their expectation is that your response will be unfavorable, and in that moment, they will feign inspecting the ring before exclaiming its exceptional value. Then, they will offer you the ring at a justifiable cost. (of course, the ring is most likely fake gold.)

Ignore them and keep moving forward if you want to avoid being conned into paying. Or you might just say “No” in a forceful voice and keep walking.

3. The Friendship Bracelet

The friendship bracelet is probably one of those Paris scams that is the most aggravating. Sacré-Coeur is a popular meeting spot for many of those who perpetrate this con. Walking up the hill to the church, you can’t help but notice them.

What they do is approach you while being friendly and begin tying knots to your wrists. In exchange for money, they will hastily braid a “friendship bracelet” onto your wrist. While you’re preoccupied with the bracelet, a second crook can sneak up behind you and steal your belongings.

One way to avoid this is to match their level of aggression if they persist in bothering you. Cross your arms or put your hands in your pockets and ignore them while you continue walking.

4. The Fake Petition

Easily one of the most popular scams in Paris, tourists will most likely encounter this con in the area surrounding Notre Dame and the Ile de la Cité. There are also cases of it around the Louvre and the Sacre Coeur.

Typically, a woman or a kid may approach you to have you sign a petition. The document will look legitimate, having been signed by many people for a worthy cause, but will actually be a forgery.

After you’ve signed the paper, the con artist will ask for a large donation, of which zero percent will actually make it to the good cause. Other instances will have a second or third person stealing your belongings while you are distracted by the “petition.”

Saying “no” and refusing to sign any petitions as you briskly walk away is the best approach to avoid falling for this con. After a refusal, the petitioners typically moved on to approach other targets.

5. The Rose

These con artists will catch you off guard while you are taking a leisurely stroll down the Seine or while you are exploring the Eiffel Tower. Someone will approach you and make an attempt to “gift” you a rose by handing it to you.

After you have accepted the rosw, he will press you for payment in a persistent manner. Alternately, the con artist will approach a couple, hand the female a rose, then immediately ask that the male partner pay for it.

As soon as you spot one of those men walking towards you, extending their arm with a delicate rose in hand,  quickly alter your path. Then, fold your arms or put them in your pickets, and avert your gaze.

6. The Broken Camera

Another of the common tourist scams in Paris to watch out for happens while you are busy sightseeing. Someone requests that you take a picture of them with their pals. You agree, but it turns out the camera is broken.

These people will give you a camera to use and then it will “break ” as you return it after a few photos. The man and his pals swarm you, and they either demand money from you or, if you’re not paying attention, they’ll steal it.

Either refuse to take a photo of the person (this could offend someone who isn’t trying to scam you. So say something like you have poor vision or shaky hands) or take the photo but return the camera to a flat surface rather than immediately to the person.

7. Ball (or Shell) and Cup

What appears to be a straightforward game is actually a trap. This is one of those con tricks in Paris that may seem simple to some, yet it still catches many.

Don’t get duped into betting money on where a ball is hidden by a con artist who is moving cups around in front of a crowd and trying to get you to guess where the ball is.

The con artist will let you win for the first few turns so that you’ll gamble more money and eventually get tricked out of a fortune.

They might fool the unwary into thinking they’re dealing with a lone wolf, but in reality they’re part of a larger group of con artists trying to get their mark to put a bet. This can be used as a diversion while your pockets are being picked.

8. The Street Vendor

If you want to bring back good memories of your stay in Paris, souvenir shopping is a must. Just be wary of the vendors you give your money. It’s common knowledge that many of the vendors near the major sites use extremely forceful methods of persuasion.

They could appear polite at first, even offering to allow you to try out their products. They won’t ask for money unless you actually use something or show any level of interest in it.

Avoid them by having zero interaction with them. Just walk right past them and get your Paris souvenirs from a store.

9. The Paris metro scam

This fraudulent scheme in Paris is typical of Paris’s major train terminals, including Gare du Nord.

Here’s how it goes down: after a long flight to Paris, you hop on the RER B and arrive in the heart of the city. And now what? So, you’re probably on your way to the subway station to get some passes.

Someone in regular clothes (an “unofficial” metro helper) will come up to you when you reach the ticket machine and offer to “help” you buy tickets. Scammers will offer to assist you buy a “carnet” (10 metro tickets), but all they’ll do is buy a single fare for a child and keep the rest of your money.

The best approach for tourists to avoid falling victim to the “Paris metro scam” is to politely ignore any offers of assistance.

Get your metro tickets only from official machines (most may be operated in English) or a kiosk/ticket booth.

10. Fake Taxi

As taxis grow more difficult to come by, here’s one handed to you, silver platter and all. The driver offers to take you wherever you choose for a nominal fee. This is obviously a scam and against the law.

The final price will be higher than the standard cab rate because of the surcharge. Never get into a taxi unless the taximeter is working and the car clearly displays “Paris taxi” to protect yourself from this scam.

Some taxi drivers will try to take advantage of your unfamiliarity with the area. They will purposefully choose more time-consuming routes or those with a higher likelihood of traffic delays in order to increase the final price.

You should negotiate a fee with the driver in advance and give him the money before he starts the car to avoid this situation.

11. Restaurants Overcharging Tourists

There are restaurants and cafes in Paris rife with scams . The area around the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées, being popular tourist destinations, are hotspots for such  activities.

One of those fraudulent schemes in Paris happens in restaurants in touristy areas.. It could be a menu sans prices, only to be followed by a jaw-dropping bill.

Alternatively, a “tourist menu” could be presented, with prices that are sky-high. And if that’s not enough, you might find yourself staring at an invoice that includes items you never ordered nor were informed of. Beware!

Unless you’ve done your homework, you shouldn’t eat at any restaurant or cafe that is directly adjacent to a popular tourist attraction. You will most likely be overcharged, and the quality of the food will be quite low.

Before visiting Paris, spend some time learning about some of the city’s best hidden restaurants.

How to Avoid Paris Scams

Tourist scams in Paris are unfortunately common, but there are ways to lessen your chances of being a victim.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

But especially in busy places like subways and tourist hotspots. Be wary of anyone who comes near you and make sure to keep your valuables close to hand.

• Be cautious with your possessions.

Keep your money, phone, and other valuables safe by carrying them in a bag or backpack with a zipper or button closure. Don’t put them in your back pocket where pickpockets can readily get to them.

• Don’t get distracted.

You should be aware of anyone who tries to divert your attention, especially if they are a stranger. Be wary of anyone who tries to strike up a discussion with you; scammers frequently operate in groups.

• Take the bus or an official Paris taxi.

If you need to get around town, only take official taxis or the bus. Stay away from unofficial taxis, as they are frequently employed by con artists.

• Read up on attractions you plan to visit.

Be sure a place or service is reputable before spending money on it as a tourist. Someone may tell you that a prominent landmark is closed, but you should verify this before proceeding.

• Put your foot down and say “no.”

Say “no” firmly and leave if someone is trying to sell you something you don’t want or offering you a service you don’t need. Don’t talk to them or follow where they say to go.

• Follow your instinct.

Trust your gut feelings and avoid engaging with anything that seems suspicious or too good to be true. Do what makes you happy, and don’t give in to pressure from others.

Places in Paris where there are tourist scams and con artists.

While tourist scams and con artists can occur everywhere in Paris, the following areas are more frequently reported:

• The Eiffel Tower

Since the Eiffel Tower is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Paris, it is also a favorite target for scammers. Those who approach you with petitions, ask you to sign or donate money to a cause, or try to sell you souvenirs or trinkets should be avoided.

• Basilica of Sacré-Coeur

This renowned Parisian landmark is located in the Montmartre area and is a popular tourist destination. Scammers are known to operate in the area, notably near the basilica’s stairwell. Those who try to tie a “friendship bracelet” on your wrist should be avoided since they frequently demand payment.

• Champs-Élysées

This famous shopping street is another major tourist site, and as a result, it is also a target for scammers. Those who approach you with petitions or surveys should be avoided since they may be attempting to distract you while someone else pickpockets you.

• The Louvre

The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums, attracting millions of tourists each year. Be aware of anyone approaching you inside or outside the museum, offering you trinkets or tickets to skip the wait. Official tickets are only available through the museum’s website or at the ticket office.

• Gare du Nord

This busy train station serves as a doorway to Paris for many passengers, but it is also a haven for scammers. Those that offer to assist you with your luggage should be avoided since they may demand payment for their services.

Remember that tourist scams can occur everywhere, so be alert of your surroundings and take caution when dealing with strangers. If anything appears to be too good to be true, or if you are uneasy, heed your instincts and walk away.

How to not look like a tourist in Paris

Since so many visitors flock to Paris, it might be tricky to avoid standing out as such. But here are some ways to blend in and not be easily identified as a tourist in Paris:

• Dress like a local.

Avoid dressing too casually or too flashily, as Parisians favor a stylish, modest style. Choose timeless staples like a trench coat, scarf, or a pair of sneakers in a neutral color like black, gray, or navy.

• Learn and speak French.

Many Parisians do speak English, but making an effort to communicate in French is always appreciated. It’s helpful to know some basic French words like “bonjour,” “merci,” and “au revoir,” which can be used in a variety of situations.

• Be as low key as you can.

Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist by obviously showing off your map or guidebook at all times. Instead of going without a plan, use a smartphone or digital map to find your way there.

• Act like a local.

Keep your pace and avoid stopping frequently for photos; Parisians want to stroll quickly and purposefully. It is also not normal practice in Paris to eat or drink while walking about.

• See attractions that aren’t as well-known.

It can be tempting to only see the most well-known sights, but you should also check out the lesser-known spots. By doing so, you can avoid the masses and have a more genuine encounter with the city.

• Take the bus, the train, the subway.

Use the subway or buses instead of cabs and tour buses to get around. Doing so will help you fit in with the people in Paris.

How to dress like a local in Paris

If you want to avoid standing out as an obvious tourist in Paris, try dressing like a local. You can look like a Parisian with these helpful hints:

• Keep to tried-and-true styles and timeless pieces.

Classic and timeless fashions are more popular in Paris than contemporary and flamboyant ones. Black, white, and navy blue are three of the most popular colors in clothing, and timeless staples like trench coats, blazers, and leather jackets are always in style.

Parisians favor investing in high-quality pieces that will last for years over stocking up on loads of inexpensive stuff. Try to find items that are not just well-made but also flexible in terms of how they can be styled.

• Get dressed up for the event.

It’s common for Parisians to change their attire depending on the activity, be it formal attire for a night out or comfortable clothes for a day of sightseeing. It’s a good idea to coordinate your outfit with the event or activity you’ll be participating in.

• Stick to the basics.

Keep your clothes straightforward and unfussy to channel the vibe of the City of Light. Stay away from logos and images that are too flamboyant in favor of simple designs with clear lines

• Focus on the details.

Parisians put a lot of thought into their appearances, from the cut of their clothes to the finishing touches they add. Use well-fitting garments and experiment with different scarves and jewelry to create a unique look.

Just make sure you’re dressing in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. Dressing like a local is great fun, but don’t go out of your way to blend in. Just be yourself and have a wonderful time in Paris!

Useful French phrases to avoid con artists and stay safe in Paris

The following is a list of helpful French terms that will assist you in avoiding con artists and remaining safe while in Paris:

“Je suis désolé(e), je ne suis pas intéressé(e)” – I’m sorry, I’m not interested

You can use this expression if someone is attempting to sell you something or provide you with a service that you do not want or require.

“Non, merci” – No, thank you

Similar to the above phrase, this can be used to politely decline an offer or service.

“Je suis perdu(e), pouvez-vous m’aider?” – I’m lost, can you help me?

If you’re lost, you can use this phrase to get help from a trusted source like a police officer or store clerk.

“Je ne parle pas français très bien” – I don’t speak French very well

If you want to avoid a long chat with someone who is trying to engage you in conversation, use this phrase.

“Je dois vérifier avec ma banque” – I need to check with my bank

Use this to avoid giving out sensitive information, such as your credit card number or ATM PIN, if someone approaches you and asks for it.

“Appelez la police” – Call the police

If you feel unsafe or are being harassed by someone, use this phrase to request that the police be called.

Remember that while these phrases can help you avoid scammers and be secure in Paris, you should always follow your intuition and use common sense when dealing with strangers.

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