Scam in FranceOn the street
Forced string or bracelet in France
How it works
People known as string muggers try to tie a string or bracelet around your finger. They then demand money. They may grab your arm, threaten you or try to pickpocket you. Children can also be targeted.
Warning signs
- Someone reaches for your hand or arm with string or a bracelet.
- A stranger starts attaching something without your agreement.
- People block your path near the base of the monument.
How to avoid it
- Keep your hands out of reach and walk past.
- Do not allow anyone to attach a bracelet.
- Use the Funicular of Montmartre to avoid the main gathering point.
- Keep children close and protect your pockets.
If it happens to you
Refuse firmly and seek help if grabbed or threatened. Calling out may draw attention, but avoid escalating a confrontation.
- 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/ParisTravelGuide2026Terrible experience at MontmartreA visitor reports that men blocked his path near Sacré-Cœur and tightly grabbed his wrist while trying to attach a string bracelet despite repeated refusals.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ParisTravelGuide2024Be careful with the wristband scammers around Sacré-Cœur: they can physically assault you.A traveller describes wristband sellers near Sacré-Cœur forcibly putting bracelets on visitors and warns that the encounters can become violent.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ParisTravelGuide2024Be very careful around Sacre Coeur Basilica.A visitor says four men surrounded them, forced a yarn bracelet onto their wrist and pushed them against a gate while demanding money.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the forced string or bracelet scam in France?
People known as string muggers try to tie a string or bracelet around your finger. They then demand money. They may grab your arm, threaten you or try to pickpocket you. Children can also be targeted.
How can I spot it early?
Someone reaches for your hand or arm with string or a bracelet. A stranger starts attaching something without your agreement. People block your path near the base of the monument.
How do I avoid forced string or bracelet in France?
Keep your hands out of reach and walk past. Do not allow anyone to attach a bracelet. Use the Funicular of Montmartre to avoid the main gathering point. Keep children close and protect your pockets.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Refuse firmly and seek help if grabbed or threatened. Calling out may draw attention, but avoid escalating a confrontation.
Where in France does this happen?
Mainly at the base of Sacré-Cœur. Also reported near the Eiffel Tower. It has been reported in Paris.
How much can it cost me?
Usually more than €15 is demanded.
How common is this scam in France?
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: fake charity petitions, 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