Tourist Scams in France: 6 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026) | Travel Safe
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6 scams documented·Last updated: July 2026

Tourist Scams in France: 6 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026)

Paris is the world's most visited city and also one of its most scam-prone. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées are surrounded by well-organized scam operations. Most are non-violent but can ruin your day and cost you €20–€200.

Quick Reference: All Scams at a Glance

ScamWhere It HappensRisk LevelTypical Cost
Gold Ring ScamParis — Pont des Arts, Champs-Élysées, near Eiffel TowerMedium€20–€50 per ring
Shell Game (Three-Card Monte)Paris — Sacré-Cœur steps, Pont de l'Alma, TrocadéroHigh€20–€500 per game
Fake Charity PetitionParis — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sacré-CœurMediumPickpocketing loss of €50–€1,000+
CDG Airport Taxi ScamParis — Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY)High€20–€80 overcharge per ride
Eiffel Tower Souvenir PressureParis — Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, base of Eiffel TowerLow€8–€18 overcharge per item
Métro PickpocketingParis — Line 1 (tourist stops), Line 4, RER B (CDG to Paris)High€50–€1,000+ in stolen cash and cards
Medium Risk

Gold Ring Scam

Paris — Pont des Arts, Champs-Élysées, near Eiffel Tower

How It Works

A person 'finds' a gold ring on the ground near you and picks it up. They claim it is real gold and offer to sell it to you for €20–€50 as a 'lucky find.' The ring is worthless brass. Sometimes the same person 'finds' the ring and then asks for money for food in exchange for giving you the ring.

💸 Typical amount lost: €20–€50 per ring

Red Flags

  • Someone bends down near you and 'discovers' a ring
  • Ring is offered at a bargain price
  • Happens near major tourist landmarks

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Excuse me, is this your ring? No? It is gold, very lucky for you""
  • ""I find this ring, I give to you for €20, bring good luck""

What To Say & Do

Say "No" and keep walking. Do not touch the ring. Do not engage in conversation. This scam is so common near the Eiffel Tower that locals recognize it immediately.

High Risk

Shell Game (Three-Card Monte)

Paris — Sacré-Cœur steps, Pont de l'Alma, Trocadéro

How It Works

A dealer runs a card or cup-and-ball game on a folding table. Shills in the crowd win loudly to encourage you to play. The game is rigged — you cannot win. When you bet €20–€100, you lose. If you try to leave after losing, accomplices may block or threaten you.

💸 Typical amount lost: €20–€500 per game

Red Flags

  • Folding table with a crowd gathered
  • People winning enthusiastically (they are shills)
  • Lookouts watching for police
  • Pressure to bet more after winning small amounts

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Easy game, you win money, come try""
  • ""You saw where the card is, you cannot lose""

What To Say & Do

Never stop to watch or play. Walk past without making eye contact. These operations have lookouts and will dismantle in seconds when police approach.

Medium Risk

Fake Charity Petition

Paris — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur

How It Works

Young women (often in groups) approach with clipboards asking you to sign a petition for deaf children, refugees, or human rights. While you are distracted, accomplices pickpocket your bag. Sometimes they demand a 'donation' of €5–€20 after signing.

💸 Typical amount lost: Pickpocketing loss of €50–€1,000+

Red Flags

  • Clipboard approach near any major landmark
  • Multiple women working together
  • Urgency and distraction tactics

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Please sign, it is free, for deaf children""
  • ""Help the refugees, just your name""

What To Say & Do

Say "Non merci" firmly and keep walking. Never stop. Keep your bag in front of you and your hand on your valuables at all times near tourist sites.

High Risk

CDG Airport Taxi Scam

Paris — Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY)

How It Works

Unlicensed drivers at CDG approach arrivals offering rides to Paris for €60–€120. The legal fixed rate from CDG to Paris (Right Bank) is €56; Left Bank is €65. Licensed taxis are black or white sedans with a roof-mounted taxi sign.

💸 Typical amount lost: €20–€80 overcharge per ride

Red Flags

  • Driver approaches you inside the terminal
  • Offers a price lower than the official rate as a hook
  • Car is not a licensed taxi (no roof sign, no meter)

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Taxi to Paris? €50, very good price, no waiting""
  • ""Official taxi queue is 45 minutes, I take you now""

What To Say & Do

Use only taxis from the official taxi rank (follow "Taxis" signs). The fixed rate is €56 (Right Bank) or €65 (Left Bank). Alternatively, take the RER B train (€11.80) directly to central Paris.

Low Risk

Eiffel Tower Souvenir Pressure

Paris — Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, base of Eiffel Tower

How It Works

Vendors sell miniature Eiffel Tower keychains for €10–€20 each, aggressively pressuring tourists. The same keychains are available at any Paris souvenir shop for €1–€2. Vendors may grab your arm or follow you.

💸 Typical amount lost: €8–€18 overcharge per item

Red Flags

  • Vendor approaches with keychains fanned out
  • Aggressive following if you decline
  • Prices quoted in round numbers without negotiation

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""10 for €10, best price, only for you""
  • ""Where are you from? I give you special price""

What To Say & Do

Say "Non merci" and keep walking. If a vendor grabs your arm, say firmly: "Lâchez-moi" (Let go of me). Buy souvenirs from shops on Rue de Rivoli for €1–€2 each.

High Risk

Métro Pickpocketing

Paris — Line 1 (tourist stops), Line 4, RER B (CDG to Paris)

How It Works

Organized pickpocket teams operate on crowded Métro lines, particularly at Châtelet-Les Halles, Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, and Gare du Nord. One person distracts you (drops something, asks a question) while another removes your wallet or phone.

💸 Typical amount lost: €50–€1,000+ in stolen cash and cards

Red Flags

  • Someone drops something near your feet on the Métro
  • Unusual crowding near the doors
  • Someone standing very close despite available space
  • Group of young people who seem to be watching passengers

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Excuse me, you dropped this""
  • ""Can you help me read this map?""

What To Say & Do

Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or money belt. Wear your backpack on your front in crowded carriages. Be especially alert when boarding and exiting — pickpockets target the door crush.

If You've Been Scammed in France

Don't panic. Document everything immediately — take photos, write down times, locations, and descriptions of anyone involved. Then follow these steps:

  1. 1.Report to local tourist police (most major cities have a dedicated tourist police unit).
  2. 2.Contact your bank immediately if your card was compromised — request a chargeback.
  3. 3.File a claim with your travel insurance provider — most policies cover scam losses.
  4. 4.Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you need emergency assistance.
Full step-by-step guide: What To Do If You've Been Scammed

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Frequently Asked Questions: Scams in France

What is the most common tourist scam in Paris?

The fake charity petition pickpocket scam and the gold ring scam are the most frequently reported near the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Organized pickpocket teams on the Métro are also extremely common.

How do I get from CDG airport to Paris safely?

The RER B train (€11.80) runs directly from CDG to central Paris stations including Gare du Nord, Châtelet, and Saint-Michel. Official taxis from the taxi rank charge a fixed €56 (Right Bank) or €65 (Left Bank). Never accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

Is the Paris Métro safe?

The Métro is generally safe but has a high rate of pickpocketing on tourist lines (Line 1, Line 4, RER B). Keep valuables in front pockets, wear your backpack on your chest in crowded cars, and be alert at busy stations like Châtelet and Gare du Nord.

What should I do if I am pickpocketed in Paris?

File a police report at the nearest commissariat or at the Prefecture de Police (36 Quai des Orfèvres). You need the report for insurance claims. Call your bank immediately to cancel cards. The Paris tourist police (Brigade de Répression du Banditisme) can be reached at +33 1 53 71 53 71.

Are the people with clipboards at the Eiffel Tower dangerous?

They are not physically dangerous but are organized pickpocket teams. The clipboard is a distraction tool. Simply say 'Non' firmly and keep walking without stopping. Do not engage or argue.

Related Scam Guides

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