Scam in FranceBuses and trains
Ticket-machine helper switch in France
How it works
A supposed helper says your ticket has expired and offers to buy a pass. They show the price of a multi-day pass, then ask you to turn away while they pay. They secretly change the purchase to a single-trip ticket and charge you for the pass.
Warning signs
- A stranger says your ticket has expired and takes over the machine.
- They ask you to turn away during payment.
- They want you to repay them for a ticket they bought.
How to avoid it
- Buy your own ticket.
- Choose English or another language you understand on the machine.
- Check the ticket type and validity before paying.
- Seek help from transport staff if you are unsure.
If it happens to you
Do not take a ticket bought without your agreement. If the person threatens you, call police.
- 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/ParisTravelGuide2024Ticket Scam in the MetroA contributor describes fake Metro staff offering ticket-machine assistance before handing tourists cheaper children's tickets from their pockets.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ParisTravelGuide2023Do NOT let anyone "help" you with public transport (Metro) ticket machines!A traveller recounts a ticket-machine scam and warns visitors against accepting unsolicited help buying Metro tickets.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the ticket-machine helper switch scam in France?
A supposed helper says your ticket has expired and offers to buy a pass. They show the price of a multi-day pass, then ask you to turn away while they pay. They secretly change the purchase to a single-trip ticket and charge you for the pass.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger says your ticket has expired and takes over the machine. They ask you to turn away during payment. They want you to repay them for a ticket they bought.
How do I avoid ticket-machine helper switch in France?
Buy your own ticket. Choose English or another language you understand on the machine. Check the ticket type and validity before paying. Seek help from transport staff if you are unsure.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not take a ticket bought without your agreement. If the person threatens you, call police.
Where in France does this happen?
Public transport ticket machines in Paris. 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.
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