Question 1

What is the "Shell Game Street Gambling" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Operators run a three-cup (bonneteau) game near the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Champs-Élysées, inviting tourists to guess which cup hides a small ball. The game is rigged using sleight of hand — the operator always controls the outcome. Shill players in the crowd win visibly to lure victims, and lookouts alert the group when police approach. A viral 2025 TikTok and multiple Reddit and TripAdvisor reports confirm this remains one of the most persistent street scams in Paris. Never stop to watch or participate. The game is mathematically impossible to win — any visible winner is a paid shill. Walk directly away; engaging even as a curious spectator can lead to pressure or pickpocketing by surrounding accomplices. Report to police at 17 or the nearest gendarmerie if you witness it.

Question 2

What is the "Friendship Bracelet Scam" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Men near Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre grab tourists' wrists and quickly tie a bracelet before they can refuse, then demand $10–20 per bracelet. Multiple scammers surround the victim and it becomes difficult to leave without paying. Do not stop for anyone who approaches with string or bracelets near tourist areas. Walk with purpose and keep moving. If someone grabs your wrist, pull away immediately before they can tie anything. It is legal to refuse and walk away.

Question 3

What is the "Petition Scam and Pickpocket Distraction" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Near the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, groups of young people approach with clipboards asking tourists to sign a petition for deaf children or similar causes. While attention is on the clipboard, accomplices pickpocket bags and pockets. Do not stop for petition collectors near tourist sites. Keep bags zipped and in front of your body. A simple "non" while walking is sufficient. If surrounded, move toward a shop entrance or police presence.

Question 4

What is the "Montmartre Street Artist Overcharge" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Caricature and portrait artists near Sacré-Cœur begin sketching tourists without a clear agreed price, then demand €50–200 for the finished work. Bystanders (shills) block escape and pressurise payment. Agree on the exact price and duration before any artist begins. If approached without your consent, refuse and walk away before a sketch starts.

Question 5

What is the "Metro Ticket Machine "Helper" Overcharge" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

At busy Paris Metro and RER ticket machines, a stranger in ordinary clothing offers to help confused tourists buy tickets or top up a pass. Instead of the multi-day travel pass you meant to buy, they quietly select cheap single or child fares and pocket the difference. Travelers have reported paying for a roughly EUR 95 three-day pass and receiving only about EUR 7 of single tickets. It concentrates at hub stations such as Gare du Nord and Chatelet-Les Halles and along the RER B line arriving from Charles de Gaulle airport. Buy tickets only by operating the machine yourself or at a staffed ticket window; official RATP and SNCF staff wear uniforms and never solicit you at the machines. Decline any stranger who offers help, and confirm the ticket type and total on screen before you pay.

Question 6

What is the "Gold Ring Trick" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

A person "finds" a gold ring on the ground near you and offers it to you as a gift, claiming they cannot keep it for religious reasons. They then ask for money for "food." The ring is worthless brass. A variation involves finding it just ahead of you on the Pont des Arts. Ignore anyone who claims to find jewelry near you. Do not accept the ring, do not reach for your wallet. Simply say "no" and keep walking. Engaging at all encourages persistence.

Question 7

What is the "Charity Bracelet Donation Scam" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

A person approaches you near Notre-Dame or Sacré-Cœur, ties a string bracelet on your wrist while making small talk, and then refuses to remove it, demanding €5–20 as payment for the "gift." Never allow strangers to tie anything to your wrist. Pull your hand back immediately and walk away.

Street Scams in Paris

Shell Game Street Gambling

Friendship Bracelet Scam

Petition Scam and Pickpocket Distraction

Montmartre Street Artist Overcharge

Metro Ticket Machine "Helper" Overcharge

Gold Ring Trick

Charity Bracelet Donation Scam

Experienced a scam here?