Scam in FranceOn the street
Found-ring trick in France
How it works
Someone pretends to find a ring and asks whether it is yours. When you say no, they insist you keep it. They then ask for money, often claiming they need food, and may follow you.
Warning signs
- A stranger finds a ring beside you and offers it to you.
- They insist you keep it despite your refusal.
- The gift turns into a request for money.
How to avoid it
- Do not accept the ring.
- Keep walking without discussing its value or ownership.
- Move towards police if the person follows you.
If it happens to you
Refuse the demand and move towards an area where police are present. Seek help if the person keeps following you.
- 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/ParisTravelGuide2026Advice to avoid scams, and what I should have doneA contributor recounts nearly falling for someone claiming to have found a gold ring or bracelet beside the Seine.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/travel2023What are the worst scams you've come across while travelling?A contributor describes a man on Pont Neuf picking up a supposed gold ring and proposing that they sell it and split the proceeds.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the found-ring trick scam in France?
Someone pretends to find a ring and asks whether it is yours. When you say no, they insist you keep it. They then ask for money, often claiming they need food, and may follow you.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger finds a ring beside you and offers it to you. They insist you keep it despite your refusal. The gift turns into a request for money.
How do I avoid found-ring trick in France?
Do not accept the ring. Keep walking without discussing its value or ownership. Move towards police if the person follows you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Refuse the demand and move towards an area where police are present. Seek help if the person keeps following you.
Where in France does this happen?
Along the banks of the Seine. It has been reported in Paris.
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, forced string or bracelet, 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