Paris, the City of Light, is a magical place for tourists, with its iconic monuments, famous museums and picturesque neighborhoods. But as in many major tourist cities, some ill-intentioned individuals take advantage of the crowds to run street scams. These scams are common in tourist areas, and it’s essential to be aware of the pitfalls to avoid falling prey to them. Here’s an overview of the most common scams in Paris and how to avoid them.
1. The wire bracelet (or Brazilian bracelet) scam
The most common street scam in Paris is undoubtedly the wire bracelet. An “artisan” approaches passers-by, often tourists, and asks them if they’d like a colored wire bracelet. After placing the bracelet around the wrist, the swindler demands a sum of money in exchange, claiming that the bracelet is a gift. If the victim refuses to pay, the swindler can become aggressive and insistent, sometimes forcing the victim to hand over money to get rid of the situation.
How to avoid it: Refuse politely if someone tries to attach a bracelet to you without your consent. It’s also best not to engage in conversation with strangers who approach you on the street.
2. The fake petition scam
Fake petitions are another classic scam in Paris. The scammer approaches you asking you to sign a petition, often for a humanitarian, environmental or political cause. Once you’ve signed, he may ask you to make a donation to support the cause, or sometimes even accuse you of “ill will” if you refuse to pay.
How to avoid it: Never sign petitions from strangers in the street, especially if you don’t know what the cause is about. Refuse politely and move on.
3. Fake policemen
Fake police officers are another form of scam that can catch passers-by off guard. Individuals pose as police officers and ask to inspect your papers or money under the pretext of an offence. In some cases, they may ask for a “fine” for a so-called contravention. The scammer may try to intimidate you by claiming that you are in violation of the law.
How to avoid it: If you are approached by people claiming to be police officers, ask to see their badges. Legitimate police officers should always be in uniform and wearing an official badge. If in doubt, go to a police station or call 17 (emergency number).
4. Counterfeit coins and collectibles
The fake coin scam consists of offering for sale objects, coins or souvenirs that are supposed to be old or collectible. These objects are often worthless, and can be sold at inflated or even exorbitant prices.
How to avoid it: Don’t be persuaded to buy objects that look suspicious or are sold without any certificate of authenticity. Instead, buy souvenirs from approved stores or well-known tourist attractions.
5. The fake help scam
Some scammers will play on the compassion of passers-by by pretending to be in a dire situation, such as having lost their wallet or needing money to get home. They’ll often ask for money or a subway ticket to solve their so-called problem.
How to avoid it: It’s best not to give money to strangers on the street. If you really want to help, you can redirect the person to a legitimate help center or charity.
6. The little ball under the glasses game
The ” jeu de la petite boule” (or “jeu des trois gobelets”) scam is one of the most common games played in Paris. A swindler places a small marble under one of three cups and quickly mixes them up. He then asks passers-by to guess which cup the ball is under. Although it sounds simple, the game is actually rigged. The swindler uses techniques to manipulate the ball and, sometimes, has an accomplice among the spectators to entice people to play and bet.
How to avoid it: Don’t take part in this kind of game, because it’s always rigged. If you witness it, walk away immediately to avoid being manipulated.
7. Good liars
Bony liars” are individuals who approach passers-by with a sad or dramatic story. They claim to need money for urgent reasons, such as paying rent or an unpaid bill. They may use children or babies to make their story more believable. These scams rely on appealing to pity, and the con artist seeks to emotionally manipulate victims.
How to avoid: Refuse politely if someone asks you for money in an emergency situation. It’s always a good idea to be wary of people who seek to elicit an emotional response from you.
Conclusion
Paris, while a fascinating and rewarding destination, is not immune to street scams. Crooks are ingenious and use a variety of methods to deceive passers-by. However, by being vigilant and aware of the most common scams, you can considerably reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Remember: if a situation seems suspicious, it’s always best to remain on your guard, refuse politely and report any suspicious activity to the police. Caution is the best way to make the most of your visit to Paris without being taken in by these scammers. In case of emergency, call 17