What Scams Should Tourists Watch Out For?

What scams should tourists watch out for?
Paris is a safe and welcoming city, but like every major tourist destination, it has a handful of well-known scams that target distracted visitors. The key is not fear—it’s recognition. Once you know how these scams work, they become easy to avoid.

This guide breaks down the most common tourist scams, explains how they actually operate, and shows you exactly what to do (and not do) while exploring Paris.

Read this once, and you’ll spot scams instantly.

First: Are Tourist Scams a Big Problem in Paris?

No—but they are predictable.

Scams in Paris:

• Are non-violent

• Rely on distraction and politeness

• Target tourists, not locals

• Happen in very specific places

Most visitors who get scammed say the same thing afterward:

“I didn’t even realize what was happening.”

That’s exactly the point.

The Petition Scam (One of the Most Common)

How It Works

Someone—often a young person—approaches you with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition for:

• Charity

• Disability support

• Human rights

While you’re reading or signing, an accomplice:

• Picks your pocket

• Opens your bag

How to Avoid It

• Don’t stop

• Don’t engage

• Say “No, merci” and keep walking

Legitimate petitions are not done this way in Paris.

The Friendship Bracelet Scam

How It Works

Someone ties a bracelet around your wrist without asking and then demands payment.

This often happens near:

• Montmartre

• Tourist viewpoints

• Busy pedestrian areas

How to Avoid It

• Keep your hands close to your body

• Firmly say “Non”

• Don’t let anyone touch your arm

If they can’t touch you, the scam fails.

The “You Dropped This” Trick

How It Works

Someone claims you dropped:

• A ring

• A bill

• A piece of jewelry

They try to:

• Hand it to you

• Create confusion

• Ask for a reward

Meanwhile, another person may target your bag or pockets.

How to Avoid It

• Say it’s not yours

• Don’t touch the item

• Walk away

If you didn’t drop it, you don’t need to explain anything.

The Fake Survey or Questionnaire

How It Works

Similar to the petition scam, but framed as:

• A survey

• A student project

• A quick question

The goal is distraction and proximity.

How to Avoid It

• Don’t stop

• Don’t answer

• Keep moving

Real surveys don’t chase tourists on the street.

The Shell Game (Street Gambling Scam)

How It Works

You’ll see a small crowd watching a fast-moving game where it looks like people are winning money.

Reality:

• The “winners” are part of the scam

• The game is rigged

• Tourists always lose

How to Avoid It

• Never participate

• Don’t linger

• Walk away immediately

There is no “almost winning” here.

Overcharging in Unofficial Taxis

How It Works

An unlicensed driver offers a ride near:

• Airports

• Train stations

They may:

• Skip the meter

• Charge inflated prices

How to Avoid It

• Use official taxis or ride apps

• Ignore drivers approaching you inside terminals

• Follow official taxi signs

If someone approaches you first, be cautious.

The “Free” Rose or Gift

How It Works

Someone offers:

• A rose

• A small souvenir

• A “gift”

Once you accept, they demand money.

This often targets couples.

How to Avoid It

• Don’t take anything

• Say no clearly

• Keep walking

Nothing offered on the street is truly free.

Fake Police Officers

How It Works

Someone claims to be police and asks to:

• See your wallet

• Check your money

This is rare—but serious.

How to Avoid It

• Ask to see official ID

• Suggest going to a police station

• Never hand over your wallet

Real police do not conduct random cash checks on tourists.

ATM Distraction Scams

How It Works

Someone tries to:

• Help you use the ATM

• Distract you while you withdraw money

How to Avoid It

• Use indoor ATMs

• Don’t accept help

• Shield your PIN

ATMs are a common distraction point.

Where Scams Happen Most Often

Be extra alert:

• Near major landmarks

• In crowded metro stations

• Around tourist-heavy neighborhoods

• At airports and train stations

Scammers go where tourists gather.

Why Tourists Are Targeted (And Locals Aren’t)

Tourists:

• Are polite

• Don’t want to be rude

• Stop to listen

• Are distracted

Scammers rely on social pressure—not force.

Confidence is your shield.

The One Rule That Stops Almost Every Scam

Remember this:

If a stranger approaches you unexpectedly in a tourist area, you are allowed to say no and walk away.

You owe no explanation.
You owe no politeness beyond basic respect.

What If You Realize Too Late?

If you suspect a scam:

• Check your belongings immediately

• Cancel cards if needed

• Move to a safe, public place

Embarrassment fades. Awareness lasts.

Final Answer: What Scams Should Tourists Watch Out For?

Tourists should watch out for:

• Petition and fake survey scams

• Friendship bracelets and “free” gifts

• Distraction thefts

• Street gambling

• Unofficial taxis

• Fake authority figures

None of these scams work if you keep moving, stay aware, and don’t engage.

Paris is not out to trick you.
A few individuals are—and they rely on hesitation.

Now you won’t give them that chance.