What is the "Fake plainclothes 'police' wallet/ID check" scam in Toulouse?

Question

Accepted Answer

People posing as plainclothes officers stop tourists near metro stations or landmarks, flash a badge, and demand to inspect your wallet, cards or cash for 'counterfeit money' or a 'document check'. They palm notes or cards, or an accomplice distracts you, then hand everything back and leave. Real French police in plain clothes do not demand to handle your wallet or cash on the street. Refuse to hand over money or cards, show only your passport or ID if pressed, ask to walk to the nearest commissariat, and call 17 if threatened.

Other Tourist Scams in Toulouse

Fake plainclothes 'police' wallet/ID check

Experienced a scam here?