Skip to content
Some scams

Western Europe

Tourist scams in France

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.
  1. 1 TheftVery commonPickpocketing and distraction theftA thief takes your wallet, phone or other belongings without you noticing. Some work with another person who distracts you. Groups may surround you while someone reaches into a pocket or bag.Busy tourist areas, public transport, stations and crowds. Specific warnings cover Paris, Bordeaux, Lille and Marseille. In Lille, the metro, railway stations and Saturday-night crowds need extra care. 3Read
  2. 2 On the streetVery commonFake charity petitionsPeople approach with pledge sheets and pretend to be deaf charity collectors. While you read or sign, an accomplice may steal your belongings. After you sign, they point to a minimum donation demand. A group may surround you.Paris 3Read
  3. 3 NightlifeVery commonBar invitation with hidden service feesA person outside pressures you to enter a bar for a quick look. After you order a drink, a woman joins you for a short conversation. The bill then includes a large fee for her company. Bouncers may intimidate you into paying.Paris 1Read
  4. 4 On the streetCommonForced string or braceletPeople known as string muggers try to tie a string or bracelet around your finger. They then demand money. They may grab your arm, threaten you or try to pickpocket you. Children can also be targeted.Paris 3Read
  5. 5 On the streetCommonFound-ring trickSomeone 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.Paris 2Read
  6. 6 TheftCommonPurse or bag snatchingSomeone grabs your purse or bag and takes it. The theft can involve force.Possible across France. Paris also has reports of purse-snatching, though it is described as less common there. 3Read
  7. 7 TheftCommonMuggingA robber uses threats or force to take your money or belongings. Some incidents can lead to assault.Possible across France, with specific warnings for Paris and Marseille. 2Read
  8. 8 Buses and trainsOccasionalTicket-machine helper switchA 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.Paris 2Read
  9. 9 On the streetOccasionalThree-card betting gameCon artists invite people to bet on a three-card game. The game is set up for you to lose.Paris 2Read
  10. 10 Online bookingsOccasionalRide-app account takeoverA supposed driver asks for your mobile number to confirm a booking. They use it to try to access another account, such as Uber, then ask you for the text-message confirmation code. If you share it, they can access your account and book rides in your name.ParisRead
  11. 11 On the streetOccasionalFake charity collections and salesSomeone asks for money for an imaginary charity. They may sell postcards or other items to support the story. Genuine charity outreach also happens in these areas, so an approach alone does not prove fraud.Lyon 2Read
  12. 12 TaxisOccasionalTaxi fare inflationA small number of rogue taxi drivers charge much more than the journey should cost.Marseille 3Read
  13. 13 TaxisOccasionalIllegal taxisAn unauthorised taxi offers a ride. Pre-booked chauffeur services are a separate option, but they must be booked before pickup and cannot cruise streets or airports looking for passengers.Paris 1Read
  14. 14 Food and drinkOccasionalDrink-spikingSomeone tampers with a drink without the drinker's knowledge. This can leave the person unable to protect themselves or their belongings.Bordeaux 2Read
  15. 15 ShoppingCommonStreet souvenir toutsStreet sellers approach visitors with cheap trinkets. These sales are described as illegal. Sellers may suddenly run when police appear, creating a rush around nearby visitors. This is a tout issue rather than a stated payment fraud.Paris 1Read
  16. 16 ShoppingOccasionalTourist shopping markupsVisitors can pay high tourist prices for ordinary goods. Airport wine shopping in Bordeaux is specifically described as poor value. A high price alone does not prove fraud.Bordeaux, Paris, Lyon 1Read
  17. 17 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rate when paying in foreign cashA cashier accepts foreign currency but uses an unfavourable exchange rate. This can make the purchase cost more than paying in euros. It is a poor-value payment risk, not necessarily fraud.Businesses that accept foreign cash, especially in tourist areas and higher-end places.Read

Where to stay alert

  • Sacré-Cœur, especially the base of the monument, ParisThe main gathering point for people who force strings or bracelets onto visitors and demand money.
  • Eiffel Tower, ParisStreet souvenir sellers gather here. Bracelet scammers have also been reported nearby.
  • Trocadéro, ParisA named gathering area for street souvenir touts.
  • Louvre Museum, ParisA named area for street souvenir sellers.
  • Gare du Nord, ParisFake charity petitions and related theft have been reported here.
  • Banks of the Seine, ParisThe found-ring trick is reported along the riverbanks.
  • Seine bridges near the Eiffel Tower, ParisCon artists run three-card betting games.
  • Barbès-Rochechouart, ParisBars in this area are linked to hidden service-fee scams.
  • Bars near Moulin Rouge, ParisVisitors may be lured inside and billed large fees after a short conversation.
  • Bordeaux-Mérignac AirportAirport wine shopping is described as having high tourist prices.
  • Lille metro and railway stationsPickpocketing is particularly common on the metro and at railway stations.
  • Rue de la République, LyonCharity approaches occur here, including possible requests for imaginary charities.
  • Outside Part-Dieu station, LyonCharity approaches can include fraudulent collections or sales.
  • Rue Victor Hugo, south of Bellecour, LyonThe shopping street includes tourist traps.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use a taxi station or a recognised booking service.
  • Book chauffeur services before pickup and confirm their price.
  • Keep a receipt and note the driver or vehicle number if a fare seems wrong.
  • Do not judge a fare only by a small difference: minimum fares and extra charges can apply.

Money

  • Pay in euros rather than relying on foreign cash.
  • Read posted prices before ordering or buying.
  • Carry a small amount of emergency cash.
  • Compare prices away from tourist sites before buying souvenirs.

Cards and ATMs

  • Shield your PIN and put cash away before leaving the machine.
  • In Paris, avoid outdoor ATMs, especially at night.
  • Check withdrawal fees before accepting a transaction.
  • Never share a text-message login code with a driver or stranger.

Your belongings

  • Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
  • Close your bag and hold it in front of you in crowds.
  • Protect your belongings during petitions, sales pitches and offers of help.
  • Avoid showing expensive phones or large amounts of cash.

Nights out

  • Avoid bars whose street staff pressure you to enter.
  • Check drink prices and any extra fees before ordering.
  • Keep drinks in sight and replace any left unattended.
  • Plan your journey home and use well-lit streets.
  • Avoid arguments or fights with intimidating staff.

Police and officials

  • Carry some form of official identity document.
  • Keep your valid transport ticket available for checks.
  • Stay calm during an identity check.
  • Ask police for help if someone threatens or surrounds you.

What travellers say about France

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is France safe for a first visit?

Violent crime against visitors is generally rare. Pickpocketing, scams and theft still need care, especially in crowds and busy tourist areas.

What should I do if someone asks me to sign a charity petition?

Decline and keep walking. In Paris, petitions can distract you while an accomplice steals your belongings. Signing can also lead to a donation demand.

How do I avoid the bracelet trick at Sacré-Cœur?

Keep your hands out of reach and do not let anyone attach a string or bracelet. The Funicular of Montmartre can help you avoid the main gathering point at the base.

Should I let a stranger help me buy a transport ticket?

Buy it yourself and use the machine's English-language option. A helper may charge you for a multi-day pass but hand over a single-trip ticket.

Can a ride-app driver ask for my text-message code?

Do not share it. A scammer can use the code to access another ride account and book trips in your name. Cancel the ride and report the driver.

How can I spot a bar with hidden charges?

Be wary of someone outside pressuring you to enter for a quick look. Around Barbès-Rochechouart and Moulin Rouge, a short conversation inside can lead to a €200–€500 service fee.

What can I do about taxi overcharging in Marseille?

Note the driver's number from the rear of the car. Take it and your journey details to the Tourist's Office at 11, La Canebière, near Le Vieux Port.

Where should I be most careful with my wallet?

Keep it secure on public transport, at stations and in crowds. Lille's metro and railway stations have specific pickpocket warnings. Use a front pocket or money belt.

How can I reduce the risk of drink-spiking?

Keep your drink in sight and replace it if it was left unattended. If you suspect spiking, tell someone you trust and seek medical help. Call 15 or 112 for an emergency.

Are higher café prices always a scam?

No. The same drink can cost more at a table than at the bar, and more again on a terrace. Check the posted prices before ordering.

Reviewed by