10 Paris Scams Every Visitor Should Watch Out For

You’ve planned your dream trip to Paris, and on day one, you get caught by one of the many scammers hanging around the main attractions. I’ve seen it happen so many times and been caught by a couple myself on my first couple of trips. It certainly knocks your confidence and bursts your Paris bubble a little.

However, if you know what to look for, you’ll be on the lookout and won’t fall for them. These ten well-known Paris scams are ones I’ve either been a victim of myself or I know people who have. Forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes.

No. 1 The Fake Petition Scam

I’ve seen this one several times, and the first time I took my daughter to Paris, I had to stop her from falling for it. You’ll spot them near busy sights like the Eiffel Tower or outside major museums. We nearly fell foul getting off the funicular at the bottom of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.

It goes something like this: they have a clipboard in hand, a friendly smile, and a question in English: “Do you have a minute to help?” They might mention a cause, such as the deaf community or children’s rights. It sounds worthy, and that’s the point.

But while you’re glancing down at the sheet, someone else is glancing at your bag. That’s when hands go where they shouldn’t. This isn’t a one-person act; it’s a team effort. One distracts, the other dips into your pockets.

The trick is simple. They want you to stop, engage, and lower your guard. As soon as you hear English and see a clipboard, walk on, no eye contact, no smile, no hesitation.

You’re not being rude. You’re just keeping hold of your wallet.

No. 2 The Friendship Bracelet Scam

You’re walking around Montmartre, minding your own business, and someone reaches for your wrist with a string in hand. Before you know it, there’s a bracelet tied on tight, and now they want money for it.

Sometimes they don’t even ask. They just grab your wrist and start wrapping. It all happens fast. Then comes the demand for cash, and many people hand it over just to end the situation.

The best thing to do? If someone approaches offering something for free, walk straight past. No need to explain. Just move on.

No. 3 The Cup Coin Scam

You’ll spot it near busy crossings or outside metro stations. A cup full of coins sits just far enough into the footpath for someone to knock it over. Sometimes it’s “accidentally” dropped right in front of you. Coins go everywhere, and the person on the ground looks upset.

It’s meant to catch your attention. While you pause or bend down to help, someone else might be helping themselves to your bag or pocket.

It might feel wrong to ignore someone who’s dropped money, but in Paris, this one’s often a setup. Don’t stop. Just keep walking and keep your stuff close.

No. 4 The Metro Pickpockets

The metro’s a great way to get around Paris, and there are some seriously cool stations to see. But it’s also where pickpockets do their best work. Usually in groups, they wait for the doors to open and close. Someone distracts you, someone else grabs your phone or wallet, then they’re off the train before you’ve even realized what’s missing.

It often happens in a crowd. You think you’d feel it, but you don’t. These people are fast, practiced, and know exactly where to look.

Keep your phone tucked away and your bag zipped. I use an anti-theft bag and keep a hand on it at all times. Back pockets are a no-go. If you’re carrying anything valuable, put it somewhere out of reach and stay vigilant. Being aware is half the battle.

No. 5 The Gold Ring Trick

You’re walking along the Seine or near a park when someone suddenly picks something up from the ground. They hold out a gold ring and ask if it’s yours. It’s not, of course, but if you pause or take it, they’ll turn around and ask for money.

It’s a simple trick. They’re counting on you being too polite or too unsure to say no.

Don’t take the ring. Don’t stop. A quick “non” and a steady pace is all it takes. If they keep following, step into a nearby shop. They rarely come inside.

No. 6 Beware of the Fake Tickets

Outside metro stations or tourist sites, someone might offer you a ticket they “don’t need.” Maybe it’s a spare metro pass or an entry ticket to a museum. They’ll say you’re getting a deal, but the ticket’s useless once you try to use it. 

I have fallen foul of this one and kicked myself for being so stupid. You won’t find out it’s fake until it’s too late. By then, they’re long gone and you’re a few euros down.

Don’t buy tickets from anyone on the street. Always use the official machines or counters. It’s not worth the hassle or the extra cost when the so-called bargain turns out to be a dud.

No. 7 The English versus French Menu Price Hike

Whenever I’m in Paris with friends who haven’t been, I have to warn them about this one. It’s so tempting to ask for an English menu when you don’t speak French. I’ve enough French now not to need to do this, but I’ve seen it for myself, and it does happen.

At some restaurants near big tourist spots, you might get handed an English menu without asking for it. The catch? The prices on it can be higher than the French version.

Not every place does this, but it happens often enough to be aware of it. If the English menu looks a bit pricey, consider asking for the French one as well. Many restaurants offer menus that include both languages, which helps avoid any confusion.

If they give you two separate menus, compare them. A quick glance might save you a few euros.

No. 8 The Cup Game

You’ll spot it near busy walkways or outside tourist hubs like the Louvre. A guy on the pavement shuffles cups around, hiding a small item under one of them. Someone steps up, picks the right cup, and walks away with cash in hand.

Looks easy, right? That’s the setup.

The people “winning” are in on it. The real goal is to draw you in and get your money. Once you hand over cash, the game changes, and the winning cup suddenly becomes impossible to find.

Don’t stop, don’t watch, and definitely don’t play. It’s not a bit of street fun. It’s a con.

No. 9 Fake Taxi Scam

This one has happened to me. I caught the train from Angouleme to Paris Montparnasse, and I was running late. Rather than negotiating the metro, I thought it would be easier to grab a cab. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize until it was too late that it was an unmarked cab. 

When I arrived at my destination, the driver asked for fifty euros. The fare shouldn’t have been more than twenty. What could I do? I was in the car, and I’m pretty sure the doors would have been locked.

I paid the fare and made a mental note never to just hop into a cab in Paris. Much better to use one of the many apps in Paris to call an Uber or another taxi firm.

No. 10 Pickpockets Near Big Attractions

Places like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre are magnets for pickpockets. These aren’t clumsy grab-and-run types. They blend in with the crowd, watching tourists and waiting for the perfect moment.

They’ll target people taking photos, checking maps, or digging through bags for tickets. Some work in pairs. One distracts you, the other gets to work.

Keep your bag zipped and in front of you. Avoid stuffing things in open coat pockets. If you’re using a phone or camera, make sure everything else is secure. Just being aware puts you one step ahead.

The views are worth it, but so is keeping your stuff.

A Few Smart Buys Before You Go

A little prep goes a long way when it comes to avoiding scams in Paris. Here are a few things worth picking up before your trip:

• An anti-theft crossbody bag – Look for one with locking zippers and slash-proof straps. Keep it in front of you, especially when using the metro and in crowded areas.
  
• RFID-blocking wallet – Helps protect against contactless card theft, which is rare but still a risk in busy tourist areas.
  
• Small combination padlock – Handy if you’re staying in a hostel or want to lock your bag when you’re sitting outside at a café.
  
• Travel insurance – It won’t stop a scam, but it’ll help you bounce back if something does go wrong.

You don’t need to be paranoid to travel smart. Just stay alert, trust your gut, and don’t let anyone pressure you.