Violent crime against tourists is rare in central Paris, but petty theft and a few classic scams are common enough that knowing them in advance saves real hassle. Most are variations on distraction — someone engages you while an accomplice works your bag or pockets — and recognizing the setup is usually enough to avoid it entirely.
- The 'gold ring' and 'friendship bracelet' scams near major monuments involve someone offering something for free, then demanding payment or attempting to tie it to your wrist as a distraction
- Pickpocketing is most common on crowded Métro lines (1 and 4 especially) and around major sights — keep bags zipped and in front of you
- Never sign a petition or 'survey' handed to you on the street near tourist sites — it's almost always a distraction scam
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- Tip
- If someone approaches you insistently near a monument, a firm 'non merci' and continuing to walk works better than engaging.
Nearby
- E Eiffel Tower area · high-alert zone
- S Sacré-Cœur steps · high-alert zone
- M Métro lines 1 & 4 · high-alert zone