Purse or bag snatching in France

Possible across France. Paris also has reports of purse-snatching, though it is described as less common there.

How it works

Someone grabs your purse or bag and takes it. The theft can involve force.

Warning signs

Someone reaches for or pulls at your bag.

How to avoid it

Keep your bag close to your body.
Carry only the valuables you need.
Stay aware of people moving close to you.

If it happens to you

Put your safety first. Avoid chasing or fighting the thief. Report the theft and block any stolen cards.

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.

Where it happensPossible across France. Paris also has reports of purse-snatching, though it is described as less common there.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in FranceMugging: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the purse or bag snatching scam in France?

Someone grabs your purse or bag and takes it. The theft can involve force.

How can I spot it early?

Someone reaches for or pulls at your bag.

How do I avoid purse or bag snatching in France?

Keep your bag close to your body. Carry only the valuables you need. Stay aware of people moving close to you.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Put your safety first. Avoid chasing or fighting the thief. Report the theft and block any stolen cards.

Where in France does this happen?

Possible across France. Paris also has reports of purse-snatching, though it is described as less common there.

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, mugging.

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