Fake charity petitions, shell games, unofficial taxis, ticket resellers and fake police checks: the 5 most common Paris scams and how to spot them.
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The 5 most common Paris scams
The fake charity petition
How it worksSomeone presents a clipboard, apparently on behalf of a charity. Once you sign, they ask for a donation. The named organisation never receives the money. While you focus on the sheet, an accomplice may reach into your bag.
WhereAround the city’s tourist sights.
How to protect yourself
- Politely decline unsolicited petitions and keep walking.
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
The shell game near the Eiffel Tower
How it worksYou are invited to guess which cup hides an object or to follow a particular card. Other players seem to be winning. They are accomplices helping draw you into placing a bet. Your money soon disappears.
WhereAround the Eiffel Tower and on the Champ de Mars.
How to protect yourselfSkip the game. Someone else’s apparent win is no reason to place a bet. Keep walking rather than joining the crowd.
The unofficial airport taxi
How it worksBefore you reach the taxi rank, someone offers you a ride. It sounds convenient, but the vehicle may be an unlicensed taxi. Police warn that these vehicles can lack the required taxi equipment and professional insurance.
WhereAirports, railway stations and unsolicited ride offers in the street.
How to protect yourself
- Head to the official taxi rank and decline anyone recruiting passengers.
- Direct rides from Charles de Gaulle to Paris have fixed fares of 56 euros for the Right Bank and 65 euros for the Left Bank. Check any additional charges before setting off.
Métro tickets from a helpful stranger
How it worksYou need a ticket and someone offers to sell you one on the spot. It seems easier than using the machine. But these resellers often charge much more than the official sales points.
WhereIn and around railway and Métro stations.
How to protect yourself
- Buy at an official counter or ticket machine.
- Ask station staff if you need help, and keep control of your payment and purchase.
The fake police check
How it worksA stranger claims to be a police officer and asks for your documents and money. The supposed inspection is meant to make you hand things over before you think.
WhereIn the street when someone claiming to be an officer approaches you.
How to protect yourselfAsk to see police identification and do not hand strangers money for inspection. Stay calm and take genuine requests to prove your identity seriously.
Travel Paris with fewer surprises
The five scams above are not the only ones. Which ones matter to you depends on how you travel: solo, with family, on a budget, or in peak season. That’s why TravelCheck on iPhone builds your own Paris list, usable offline, with French phrases you can play aloud.
FAQ
Is Paris safe?
You can enjoy Paris with sensible precautions. Official travel advice warns about pickpocketing and assaults, especially around tourist sights and on public transport. Keep valuables close, avoid distractions and follow guidance from local authorities.
How much is an airport taxi to Paris?
Direct taxi journeys between Charles de Gaulle and Paris have fixed fares of 56 euros for the Right Bank and 65 euros for the Left Bank. Between Orly and Paris, the fares are 45 euros for the Right Bank and 36 euros for the Left Bank. These fares apply in both directions. Booking and additional passenger charges may apply.
Should I sign a petition in the street?
It is best to decline unsolicited charity petitions around tourist sights. Police warn about fake organisations and accomplices who steal belongings while you sign. Say no politely and keep walking.
Can I buy Métro tickets from street sellers?
Buy tickets at an official station counter or machine. Police warn that street resellers charge inflated prices. If someone offers to help at a ticket machine, keep control of the purchase yourself.
How can I spot a fake police check?
Police warn about scammers posing as officers and asking for identification and money. Ask to see police identification and do not hand strangers cash for inspection. Take a genuine request to prove your identity seriously.
What should I do after a theft?
Report the theft at the nearest police station. Contact your bank immediately to block stolen cards. Keep copies of identity documents separately to make getting replacements easier.
