Three-card betting game in France

Some Seine bridges near the Eiffel Tower.

How it works

Con artists invite people to bet on a three-card game. The game is set up for you to lose.

Warning signs

A street card game asks spectators to place money bets.
Someone encourages you to join or try your luck.

How to avoid it

Do not place a bet.
Walk past without taking out money.

If it happens to you

Stop playing and leave. Do not try to win back your losses.

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 happensSome Seine bridges near the Eiffel Tower.Paris

What travellers report

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

More scams in FranceRide-app account takeover: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the three-card betting game scam in France?

Con artists invite people to bet on a three-card game. The game is set up for you to lose.

How can I spot it early?

A street card game asks spectators to place money bets. Someone encourages you to join or try your luck.

How do I avoid three-card betting game in France?

Do not place a bet. Walk past without taking out money.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop playing and leave. Do not try to win back your losses.

Where in France does this happen?

Some Seine bridges near the Eiffel Tower. It has been reported in Paris.

How common is this scam in France?

Occasional. 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, found-ring trick.

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