Police
17
Ambulance
15
Tourist Police
N/A
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Distraction Pickpocket
Pickpockets often work in teams, using a distraction technique like the 'clipboard survey' (asking for a signature for a fake charity), the 'dropped item' (like a coin or a ring), or a sudden bump to divert your attention while an accomplice steals your wallet or phone. This is most common in crowded areas like the Metro, the Louvre, and around the Eiffel Tower.
Keep valuables in a secure, anti-theft bag worn across the body. Never put phones or wallets in back pockets. Be wary of anyone who invades your personal space or tries to distract you, and firmly walk away.
The Friendship Bracelet Trap
A scammer, often near Sacré-Cœur, will aggressively try to tie a 'friendship bracelet' or string around your wrist. Once it's on, they will demand a high price for it, often using intimidation. If you resist, they may use the struggle as a distraction for an accomplice to pickpocket you.
Keep your hands in your pockets or clasped together. Firmly say 'Non' and keep walking without stopping or making eye contact. Do not let them touch you.
The Gold Ring Drop
A scammer 'finds' a 'gold' ring on the ground near you and asks if you dropped it. When you say no, they inspect it, claim it's real gold, and offer it to you as a gift. They then demand money for their 'kindness' or use the interaction as a distraction to pickpocket you.
Politely but firmly decline and walk away immediately. Do not stop to engage or inspect the ring.
The Kick Cup Game
Scammers place a cup or small object on the ground, often covered by a cloth or newspaper. When you accidentally kick it, they confront you, claiming you damaged their property or that the cup contained money, and demand compensation. This is a guilt-trip and distraction scam.
Be highly aware of your footing in crowded areas. If confronted, do not stop or engage; simply walk away and ignore the demands.
The Fake Ticket Seller
Scammers pose as official vendors or use fake websites to sell counterfeit tickets to major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or Disneyland Paris. Tourists only discover the tickets are fake when they are denied entry, resulting in a loss of money and time.
Only purchase tickets directly from the official attraction website or the official ticket office at the venue. Be skeptical of street vendors offering 'last-minute' deals.
The Flat-Rate Taxi Rip-Off
Unofficial or unscrupulous official taxi drivers, particularly at airports (CDG, Orly) and train stations, will claim the meter is broken or insist on a vastly inflated 'flat rate' that is much higher than the legal fixed fare for airport transfers. They may also take unnecessarily long routes.
Only use official taxi ranks. Know the legal fixed fares for airport transfers (currently €55-€62 depending on the bank of the Seine). Insist on the meter or the fixed fare. Use ride-share apps for price transparency.
The Clipboard/Petition Scam
A group of young people, often women, carrying clipboards will approach tourists asking for signatures for a fake petition (e.g., for the deaf, disabled, or a charity). This is a distraction technique to either pickpocket you while you are signing or to pressure you into giving a 'donation' which they will then steal.
Do not stop, do not sign anything, and do not let them get close to you. Say 'Non' and keep walking briskly.
ATM Skimming and Shoulder Surfing
Scammers install 'skimming' devices on ATMs to steal card data and use hidden cameras or 'shoulder surfing' to capture your PIN. This is a high-tech form of theft that can lead to significant financial loss.
Only use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure locations. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. Wiggle the card slot before use to check for loose parts.
The Poor Exchange Rate Hustle
Currency exchange booths, especially those near major tourist hubs, often advertise a low or zero commission but use extremely poor exchange rates, resulting in a significant loss of money compared to a bank or a fair rate. They rely on tourists not checking the true interbank rate.
Avoid exchanging cash at these booths. Use a credit/debit card with low foreign transaction fees, or withdraw cash from a reputable bank ATM.
Fake Rental Accommodation
Scammers post fake or hijacked listings for apartments on popular rental sites (like Airbnb or specialized long-term rental sites). They pressure you to pay a deposit or the full amount upfront via wire transfer, and upon arrival, you find the property does not exist or the real owner knows nothing about your booking.
Only book through reputable platforms with secure payment systems. Never wire money directly to a host. Reverse image search the property photos to check for duplicates.
Safe Attractions
Eiffel Tower
A wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars.
Louvre Museum
The world's largest art museum and a historic monument.