Scam in FranceTheft
Mugging in France
How it works
A robber uses threats or force to take your money or belongings. Some incidents can lead to assault.
Warning signs
- Someone blocks your route and demands valuables.
- A person threatens you or uses force.
How to avoid it
- Avoid displaying valuables or large amounts of cash.
- Use well-lit streets at night.
- Move away from developing confrontations.
If it happens to you
Do not risk injury to protect belongings. Get to safety and call 17 or 112 if there is immediate danger.
- 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/ParisTravelGuide2024Be very careful around Sacre Coeur Basilica.A visitor reports being surrounded by four men and pushed against a gate at Sacré-Cœur while they demanded all their money.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ParisTravelGuide2025Attempted Mugging in ParisA traveller says a robber injured his tourist father while yanking a gold chain from his neck near Boulevard de Magenta.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the mugging scam in France?
A robber uses threats or force to take your money or belongings. Some incidents can lead to assault.
How can I spot it early?
Someone blocks your route and demands valuables. A person threatens you or uses force.
How do I avoid mugging in France?
Avoid displaying valuables or large amounts of cash. Use well-lit streets at night. Move away from developing confrontations.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not risk injury to protect belongings. Get to safety and call 17 or 112 if there is immediate danger.
Where in France does this happen?
Possible across France, with specific warnings for Paris and Marseille.
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: pickpocketing and distraction theft, purse or bag snatching.
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