GACS Safe TravellerParis tourist scams: what to watch for, how to react
Paris is safe for most visitors but pickpocketing, distraction thefts, and staged petition scams are widespread around the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacré-Cœur, and on Metro lines 1, 4, and 9.
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Top 5 scams in Paris
The 'gold ring' find
A stranger 'finds' a gold ring at your feet and insists you keep it — then demands money.
How it works
A person walking ahead of you appears to spot a shiny ring on the ground, picks it up, and offers it to you as your 'lucky find.' Once you take it, they demand cash for a coffee or bus fare, or an accomplice pickpockets you while you're distracted.
How to avoid it
- Never accept 'found' jewellery from a stranger.
- Keep walking, hands on your bag, and do not stop or make eye contact.
- Common on Pont Neuf, near the Louvre, and along the Seine.
If it happens: do this now
- Drop the ring immediately and step away. Do not hand over money.
- If they follow you, move toward a shop or café with staff.
- If they take anything, call 17 (police) or 112.
Petition / deaf-and-mute clipboard
Groups (often teens) push a fake petition in your face while an accomplice picks your pocket.
How it works
Someone hands you a clipboard 'for the deaf and mute' or a UNESCO petition. While you read or sign, one or two accomplices press against you or reach into your bag. They often work in groups of 3–5 around the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and Trocadéro.
How to avoid it
- Say 'Non' firmly and keep walking — do not read the clipboard.
- Wear your bag cross-body, zipper facing you, hand on top.
- Keep phone and wallet in front pockets, not back.
If it happens: do this now
- Check your pockets and bag immediately.
- Shout to draw attention — the group scatters.
- Report theft at the nearest police station (commissariat) for insurance.
Friendship bracelet at Sacré-Cœur
Men tie a string bracelet to your wrist, then demand €10–€20 and block you until you pay.
How it works
As you climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur, a friendly man asks for your finger 'just for a second,' loops a string around it, and knots a woven bracelet on your wrist before you can react. He then demands payment and often calls friends over to intimidate you.
How to avoid it
- Keep hands in pockets on the Sacré-Cœur steps.
- Avoid eye contact and do not stop to 'see a trick.'
- Use the funicular if uncomfortable walking through the crowd.
If it happens: do this now
- Cut the bracelet off with keys or teeth — it has no value.
- Walk into the basilica; the men will not follow inside.
- Do not hand over cash even to 'end it' — they will demand more.
Metro ticket 'help'
Someone offers to help you buy a ticket — they pocket your change or skim your card.
How it works
Well-dressed 'helpers' loiter at ticket machines at Gare du Nord, Châtelet, and CDG airport RER stops. They tap through the screen for you, choose a more expensive option, and either keep the difference or shoulder-surf your PIN.
How to avoid it
- Refuse all help at ticket machines, including from people in high-vis vests who are not RATP staff.
- Real RATP staff wear branded uniforms and never touch your card.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
If it happens: do this now
- Cancel your card immediately if they touched it or saw your PIN.
- Report to RATP staff at the station office.
- File a police report if money was taken.
Fake taxi at CDG / Orly
Unofficial 'taxis' outside arrivals charge €80–€150 for a €55 fixed fare.
How it works
Touts inside arrivals halls approach tired travellers and offer a 'taxi.' They lead you to an unmarked car and either quote a huge flat fee at the end, run up the meter with a longer route, or claim your card 'didn't work' to force cash.
How to avoid it
- Ignore anyone offering a taxi inside the terminal.
- Use the official taxi rank outside — fixed fares are €55 to Right Bank, €62 to Left Bank from CDG.
- Prefer G7, Bolt, Uber, or the RER B train (€11.80).
If it happens: do this now
- Refuse to pay a fare higher than the official fixed rate.
- Photograph the driver's ID plate on the dashboard.
- Call 17 or report to airport police — they take this seriously.
Emergency numbers in France
Local police & anti-fraud authorities
Préfecture de Police de Paris
+33 1 53 71 53 71
9 Bd du Palais, 75004 Paris — file reports 24/7
Tourist assistance (SARIJ)
Any commissariat — ask for the tourist unit
Interpreters available for major languages
Find your embassy in Paris at https://embassies.info/paris or your foreign ministry's travel site.
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GACS Safe Traveller — Paris, France. Updated 2026-07-14. Source: https://gacs.app/safe-traveller/paris
© 2026 GACS — Global Anti-Crime & Safety. Published as a public safety guide. Content updated monthly from government advisories, local police guidance, and verified traveler reports.
Sources: US State Department, UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice, Australian Smartraveller, local police advisories, and reports verified by GACS. Content updated monthly.
