It’s time to talk about an unfortunate reality in Paris… pickpockets.
With sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sacré Coeur drawing visitors – and their cameras, wallets, and passports – to the city, it’s no wonder that Paris has its share of scammers. Luckily, it’s fairly easy to avoid them, if you know what you’re looking for. Here are a few of the most common scams we’ve seen around the city – and our insider’s tips for avoiding them!
1. The Petitions
Around the Eiffel Tower, specifically, you’ll often see young women approaching you, holding out clipboards with pencils and asking if you speak English. When you sign these petitions, the young women will ask for a “donation” – and inform you that they don’t accept less than 10 euro. Not only is this a scam, but sometimes, while you’re signing, a colleague (another woman or a small child) might try to pick your pockets.
The Solution: Loudly and assertively say, “No!” This lets them know you are aware of the scam, and they’ll leave you be; if you’re too loud, after all, you might scare off their other “customers.”
2. The Rings (and the Friendship Bracelets)
This scam tends to pop up as you’re crossing bridges in Paris. A gentleman will lean down and pick up something shiny – a ring! He’ll offer it to you, insisting you take it, and if you do, he’ll insist you also pay him for it.
A similar scam, this time with friendship bracelets, also happens near Montmartre.
The Solution: Once again, loudly and assertively say, “No!” and walk away. They’ll seek out someone else, rather than follow you.
3. The Fellow Lost Tourists
You’re sitting at a sidewalk café, and someone walks up with a map. Holding it out in front of you, they ask if you can let them know where they are… and by the time they leave, your phone or wallet are gone too.
The Solution: Don’t leave phones and wallets on the table, especially when you’re sitting outside. Always place them in a pocket or bag, and loop the strap of the bag through your foot or the leg of a table or chair.
4. The Sly Subway Exit
You’re sitting on a strapontin, one of the flip-down seats on the metro, near the doors. As you scroll through your Instagram feed, someone stands near you, getting ready to exit. The doors open; the stranger remains on the train… and just as the alarm sounds letting everyone know the doors are about to close, he slips your phone right out of your hand and exits behind the slamming doors.
The Solution: Avoid using your phone when seated on the strapontins, or invest in a phone ring holder that allows you to keep your phone in your hand, where it belongs.
5. The Shell Game
You’re walking past a crowd of people looking at a gentleman running a shell game. Someone bets 50 euro… and wins! You throw down your own 50 and lose, because the man who won was actually a cohort.
The Solution: Walk away from the shell game, and spend your 50 on a lovely dinner instead.
These scams may make Paris seem like a scary place, but it really isn’t! Being aware of these unfortunate situations helps you avoid them, making the time you spend in the city so much more pleasant.
