Don't let me get pickpocketed!* 8 Common Scam Tactics Used by Pickpockets in Paris

Text and photos /INSIDR PARIS

We don’t mean to scare you, really we don’t!* But just like in major cities worldwide, Paris is definitely worth a visit—but it still has its risks that need special attention. Especially since Paris is the world’s number one tourist destination, many pickpockets and scammers specifically target travelers. That’s why Insidr asked our community of Parisians about the situations they often face in their daily lives and are sharing them with you. We’ve compiled the following 8 common scam tactics in Paris. We hope that after reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of the methods used by pickpockets and scam rings in Paris, which can help reduce your chances of being scammed and allow you to enjoy a wonderful trip in Paris.

8 Common Scam Tactics in Paris:

Scenario 1: Lost Jewelry
If a stranger approaches you and says they found an expensive ring, asking if it’s yours, it’s an old trick... The ring is definitely a cheap fake, but they’ll keep trying to convince you to buy this “lucky find”... *Remember!* Some may even quietly reach into your bag without you noticing and steal your wallet while you’re distracted.

Scenario 2: Ball Hidden Under Cups

This one may be familiar to many, but some still fall for it. Near many popular tourist spots in Paris, you might see someone crouching on the ground, hiding a ball under a set of cups and shuffling them around, while a crowd gathers to bet on where the ball will end up... Don’t even think about trying to win money here—unless you’re prepared to lose a lot. Just walk away immediately. They’ll let you win a few times to lure you in, then the odds get worse and you end up betting more and more. And those spectators? They’re actually accomplices of the cup shuffler, pretending to be curious bystanders to hype up the atmosphere and trick you into playing. Also, while you’re focused on the trick, a pickpocket might already be going through your bag.

Scenario 3: Signing for Charity
This trick is well known in Paris, especially near popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. Usually, it’s young girls or women who approach tourists asking for help signing something, claiming they’re raising money for children with disabilities. While you’re signing and letting your guard down, they’ll tell you the last person who signed generously donated to the charity and hope you’ll “donate” too. Of course, it’s all a scam—and they might also be reaching into your bag while you’re distracted.

Scenario 4: Metro Ticket Machine Scam

This type of scam usually happens at these metro stations in Paris: Porte Maillot, Gare du Nord, and Charles de Gaulle Étoile, where many newly arrived tourists are looking to buy metro tickets. Taking advantage of tourists unfamiliar with the ticket system, scammers pretend to be helpful bystanders or metro staff and offer to buy tickets for you—but they actually buy the cheapest child tickets and then sell them to you at a high price... To avoid being targeted, stand in line at the ticket machine, choose your preferred language, and complete the purchase yourself; or ask the metro station ticket window staff for assistance.

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Scenario 5: Braided Friendship Bracelets

You’ll definitely see this scam near the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. At first, they’ll approach you, pretending to shake hands—but they’re actually trying to tie a bracelet onto your wrist and then demand payment for it. To avoid this, don’t make eye contact or start a conversation—just keep walking and avoid them.

Scenario 6: Dodgy Taxis
If you need a taxi in Paris, we strongly recommend using reputable taxi companies like Le Cab or Uber. Alternatively, follow the “Taxi” signs at train stations and airports to official taxi stands.

Scenario 7: Phone Hidden Under a Newspaper
In busy Parisian restaurants, be extra careful with your belongings and bags. Some pickpockets pretend to be passersby holding newspapers, asking for directions or striking up a conversation. They’ll use the newspaper to cover your phone or wallet on the table, and while chatting with you, they’ll steal your items right from under your nose.

Scenario 8: Withdrawing Money from ATMs
When withdrawing money from street ATMs in Paris, always stay alert. Watch out for people lingering behind you—especially small children who position themselves right next to the cash slot. They often wait for the ATM to dispense cash or your card, then quickly grab the money or your card.

Beware of Pickpockets
At the following locations, take extra care to watch your belongings:
• Near the Eiffel Tower
· Pyramides- general Louvre and Tuileries garden area
· Pont des Arts
• On the Champs-Élysées and nearby metro stations: Charles de Gaulle Étoile, George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Inside and on crowded metro trains, especially when you’re carrying luggage

Take Extra Precautions
#1 Separate large and small bills: I like to keep the cash I plan to spend that day—like €20–50—and my metro tickets in a small change pouch. That way, I don’t have to keep taking out my wallet, reducing the risk.
# 2 Keep valuables within your line of sight: Pull designer bags forward and ensure the zippers on shoulder bags aren’t at your back—especially in crowded subway stations. I personally keep a hand on my bag, and any touch from a stranger instantly puts me on alert!
# 3 Don’t casually engage with strangers: Avoid striking up conversations with odd or unfamiliar individuals—it’s easy to get distracted and fall victim to scams.

After reading about these scam tactics, do you feel a bit nervous yet also more informed about common scams in Paris? Just stay extra vigilant in crowded areas, avoid flaunting valuables, and keep your guard up when out and about—but don’t let the fear or stress ruin your wonderful trip to Paris either.