Scam in FranceOn the street
Fake charity petitions in France
How it works
People approach with pledge sheets and pretend to be deaf charity collectors. While you read or sign, an accomplice may steal your belongings. After you sign, they point to a minimum donation demand. A group may surround you.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches with a charity pledge sheet.
- A donation demand appears after you sign.
- Other people gather around while you read.
How to avoid it
- Decline unexpected street petitions and keep walking.
- Keep your bag closed and your hands near your valuables.
- Do not stop to sign if a group is closing around you.
If it happens to you
Shake your head, refuse firmly and walk away. If a group surrounds you, call out for police and protect your belongings.
- 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.
- Government adviceSecurity for tourists | Ma SécuritéFrench police describe bogus association representatives approaching tourists with petitions and requesting money alongside their signatures.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/paris2024Be aware of this scam!A visitor reports being pressured to sign a purported disability charity petition and then give €20 while members of the group attempted to pickpocket them.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/paris2026For anyone coming to the Eiffel TowerA traveller says a petition collector grabbed his girlfriend and demanded a minimum €5 donation after she offered €1.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake charity petitions scam in France?
People approach with pledge sheets and pretend to be deaf charity collectors. While you read or sign, an accomplice may steal your belongings. After you sign, they point to a minimum donation demand. A group may surround you.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches with a charity pledge sheet. A donation demand appears after you sign. Other people gather around while you read.
How do I avoid fake charity petitions in France?
Decline unexpected street petitions and keep walking. Keep your bag closed and your hands near your valuables. Do not stop to sign if a group is closing around you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Shake your head, refuse firmly and walk away. If a group surrounds you, call out for police and protect your belongings.
Where in France does this happen?
Major tourist sites and Gare du Nord in Paris. It has been reported in Paris.
How much can it cost me?
A minimum €10 donation is demanded.
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.
Are there similar scams in France?
Yes: forced string or bracelet, found-ring trick, three-card betting game.
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