Scam in FranceNightlife
Bar invitation with hidden service fees in France
How it works
A person outside pressures you to enter a bar for a quick look. After you order a drink, a woman joins you for a short conversation. The bill then includes a large fee for her company. Bouncers may intimidate you into paying.
Warning signs
- Someone outside pressures you to enter for just a few minutes.
- An unfamiliar person joins you after you order.
- The bill includes an unexplained service fee.
How to avoid it
- Walk past bars whose staff pressure you to enter.
- Check prices and all charges before ordering.
- Do not accept unexplained paid company or services.
If it happens to you
Avoid fighting with the bouncers. Say you are contacting police and your embassy. Seek help and leave when you can do so safely.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or start a fight. Call 17 or 112 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Contact your card issuer immediately to block stolen cards and flag payments you did not authorise.
- Secure affected accounts. If a phone or login code was stolen, change passwords and end unfamiliar sessions.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, screenshots, messages, booking details and any driver or vehicle number.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your bank or insurer.
- Contact your insurer and, if travel documents were stolen, your embassy or consulate. For a disputed Marseille taxi fare, take the driver's number to the Tourist's Office at 11, La Canebière.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the bar invitation with hidden service fees scam in France?
A person outside pressures you to enter a bar for a quick look. After you order a drink, a woman joins you for a short conversation. The bill then includes a large fee for her company. Bouncers may intimidate you into paying.
How can I spot it early?
Someone outside pressures you to enter for just a few minutes. An unfamiliar person joins you after you order. The bill includes an unexplained service fee.
How do I avoid bar invitation with hidden service fees in France?
Walk past bars whose staff pressure you to enter. Check prices and all charges before ordering. Do not accept unexplained paid company or services.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid fighting with the bouncers. Say you are contacting police and your embassy. Seek help and leave when you can do so safely.
Where in France does this happen?
Around Barbès-Rochechouart and bars near Moulin Rouge. It has been reported in Paris.
How much can it cost me?
A drink of about €5 can lead to a €200–€500 service fee.
How common is this scam in France?
Very common. Pickpocketing and street scams are common concerns in France, especially in busy tourist areas and on public transport. Paris has several well-known tricks involving petitions, bracelets, tickets and bars; other risks include taxi overcharging, bag theft and drink-spiking.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 17 or 112 for a crime-related emergency. For a non-urgent scam or theft, visit a police station and bring any evidence. National Police generally serve urban areas; the National Gendarmerie serves the countryside. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or contact number to block stolen cards and report charges you did not authorise. Ride-booking app: cancel and report a driver who asks for login codes. Request a refund of any cancellation fee and report rides booked without your permission. Marseille Tourist's Office: for taxi overcharging, take the driver's number to 11, La Canebière, near Le Vieux Port, and speak to a representative. Staff can help seek repayment. Paris taxi complaint handler: record the taxi number from the sticker on the left rear passenger window. Keep it with your receipt and journey details when making a complaint. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: report the loss through the insurer's official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in France?
Police: 17, European emergency number: 112, Medical emergency: 15, Fire brigade: 18.
Reviewed by @snuck