Letโs be real. Paris is beautiful, but since itโs such a tourist hotspot, thereโs bound to be many tourist traps. Scammers hang out near top landmarks and love targeting tourists who donโt see it coming.
One second I’m taking photos of the Eiffel Tower, next thing someoneโs trying to get me to sign something. But donโt let these moments ruin your trip. Hereโs the common scams in Paris to look out for so you can avoid the mess.
Eiffel Tower Scams
This is Paris’s most famous landmark, so you can expect several sneaky tricks targeting tourists. The sign-a-petition scam tops the list and it’s super annoying because you can get hit multiple times (I got asked at least 3 times throughout Paris). People carrying clipboards approach you, claiming to support charitable causes. Once you sign, they pressure you for money as donation. Simply keep walking and say “Non merci”.
The friendship bracelet trap happens in quite a few areas, and of cos here at Eiffel Tower. Scammers quickly tie colorful threads around your wrist before you can react. Once it’s on, they demand payment and can become aggressive if refused. Keep your hands in your pockets and maintain a firm “No” if approached.
This next one I sorta canโt believe people still fall for, because why would you want to gamble on the streets while traveling? But in case you do, watch out for groups huddled around makeshift tables playing the cup and ball game. While it might look like innocent fun, these are organized scam rings where fake players pretend to win. The house always wins, and you’ll lose your money.ย
To stay safe around the Eiffel Tower:
- Ignore anyone asking for signatures
- Walk away from street games
- Stay alert and keep your hands close to your body
- Buy tickets online or use official ticket counters
- Keep valuables secure and hidden
Metro and Public Transportation Scams
The Paris Metro system might be efficient, but it’s also a hotspot for thieves and tricksters. Teams of pickpockets work together during rush hours and busy tourist times. One creates a distraction while another grabs valuables from pockets or bags. Keep your belongings close, especially when trains get packed.
Also watch out at ticket machines. Scammers might pose as helpful locals, offering to assist you with buying tickets. Once you put in your payment card or cash, they’ll try to steal your money or card details. Only use the official machines and decline any offers of help, no matter how friendly they seem.
Buy tickets only at official RATP machines or staffed windows. If someone claims the machines aren’t working and offers to sell you tickets directly, just walk away, they can be counterfeit. Ideally, get a city pass with transport or download the official Paris metro apps so you can just buy tickets on them.
Some clever tricks to stay safe:
- Hold your bag in front of you, zippers facing forward
- Keep Metro tickets until you exitย
- Don’t let anyone “help” with ticket purchases
- Stay alert if someone bumps into you repeatedly
- Avoid pulling out phones or wallets in crowded areas
Louvre Museum Area Scams
The gold ring trick plays out here outside the most famous museum in Paris. Someone bends down, “finds” a gold ring, and asks if it’s yours. They’ll offer to sell it at a bargain price, but it’s just cheap brass. Keep walking if anyone tries this with you.
Teams of pickpockets also work the long entrance queues. While you’re focused on your museum map or taking photos, they silently lift wallets and phones. Most importantly never set belongings down without guard while taking photos. I see too many people just dropping bags uncaringly while trying to get that perfect instagram shot.
False tour guides hang around the pyramid entrance, promising skip-the-line access or special exhibits. They might show fake badges or official-looking documents, and honestly most of us canโt really know if it’s authentic, can we? Their tickets are worthless. If you’re lucky, they’re just overpriced. If you’re not, they won’t work at all.
Smart ways to dodge museum area scams:
- Get your timed tickets online before arrival
- Keep valuables in front pockets or hidden pouches
- Say “Non” firmly to anyone offering rings or treasures
- Join only pre-booked tours with licensed guides
- Watch your belongings in the security line
- Take photos of your valuables before heading out
Montmartre and Sacrรฉ-Cลur Scams
The charming hillside neighborhood of Montmartre attracts touristsโฆ BUT also troublemakers. Wristband scammers are particularly aggressive here. They may block paths and forcefully grab your arm to tie bracelets, then demand payment. Take the Funicular up to avoid these groups at the base of the steps.
At Place du Tertre, pushy portrait artists might start sketching without permission, then pressure you for payment. Never sit down or agree to pose unless you’ve negotiated a price first. Some artists claim their work is “free” but demand large sums once finished.
To stay safe in Montmartre:
- Use the Funicular instead of main stairs
- Keep walking, don’t stop for anyone
- Avoid eye contact with scammers
- Stay on main streets after dark
- Keep valuables hidden and secure
- Use “Non merci” firmly and repeatedly
That said, donโt skip this area just because. Itโs beautiful and worth visiting. Just stay alert and confident when exploring.
Seine River and Bridges Scams
Along Paris’s famous riverbanks, you will find street sellers pushing overpriced “love locks” at couples. These locks often cost 5-10 times more than local shop prices. Skip the bridge vendors and buy locks from neighborhood stores if you want to participate in this tradition. I personally recommend not doing it at all, because the locks damage the bridges’ structural integrity due to the extra weight.
Fake ticket sellers hang around popular river cruise spots, especially near Pont Neuf and the Eiffel Tower docks. They wave “discount” tickets that either don’t work or are for non-existent tours. Book your Seine cruise online or directly from booths.
Champs-รlysรฉes and Shopping District Scams
This one should be obvious, but still… just a reminder. Street vendors along the avenue who sell “designer” items at suspiciously low prices. These knockoffs might look real, but they’re illegal counterfeits. Buying these items can result in heavy fines, and the quality is always poor. Stick to official boutiques for authentic goods.
And of course, pickpockets are common here. Some work in pairs – one bumps into you while another lifts your wallet. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, especially in busy stores and crowded sidewalks.
Stay Smart And Safe On Your Trip To Paris
While these scams might seem overwhelming, millions of tourists still enjoy Paris safely every year. I did not end up getting scammed even on my first visit (or at least not that I know of). The key is staying alert, and once you know the tricks, you can be more aware when being targeted.
If you are planning a trip to Paris, check out some of our guides for more info!
