Scam in FranceOn the street
Fake charity collections and sales in France
How it works
Someone asks for money for an imaginary charity. They may sell postcards or other items to support the story. Genuine charity outreach also happens in these areas, so an approach alone does not prove fraud.
Warning signs
- Someone requests money directly for a charity but has no official documents.
- Their documents look doubtful.
- Postcards or other items are sold using an unclear charity claim.
How to avoid it
- Do not give money directly when documents are missing or doubtful.
- Check the charity independently before donating.
- Do not treat coloured charity clothing alone as proof of fraud.
If it happens to you
Stop further payments. Keep any items, receipts or details that could help you report suspected fraud.
- 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.
- Redditr/paris2023Deaf charity scamA holidaymaker reports that people claiming to represent a deaf charity tried to take all their money before they recovered it.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/travel2024Scam-ish tactic at CDG/ParisA traveller describes unsolicited boarding-pass kiosk assistance at CDG followed by a donation request for a purported disability NGO.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake charity collections and sales scam in France?
Someone asks for money for an imaginary charity. They may sell postcards or other items to support the story. Genuine charity outreach also happens in these areas, so an approach alone does not prove fraud.
How can I spot it early?
Someone requests money directly for a charity but has no official documents. Their documents look doubtful. Postcards or other items are sold using an unclear charity claim.
How do I avoid fake charity collections and sales in France?
Do not give money directly when documents are missing or doubtful. Check the charity independently before donating. Do not treat coloured charity clothing alone as proof of fraud.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop further payments. Keep any items, receipts or details that could help you report suspected fraud.
Where in France does this happen?
Busy places in Lyon, including Rue de la République and outside Part-Dieu station. It has been reported in Lyon.
How common is this scam in France?
Occasional. 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.
Are there similar scams in France?
Yes: fake charity petitions, forced string or bracelet, found-ring trick.
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