[Music] [Music] [Music] Welcome back to Paris Top Tips. Here is the second episode of our "Tourist Safety in Paris" series. In this installment we'll dive into the cunning
scams, petty thefts and tricks used by scammers in the city of love. Most importantly, I'll show you how to outsmart
them and protect your precious belongings [Music]
Paris, with its iconic landmarks and romantic atmosphere can be a paradise for tourists. Yet, beneath its charming exterior, it hides
an array of scams that can catch even the savviest travelers off guard. In this episode, we'll delve into various
scams, petty thefts, and how to outsmart the tricksters in Paris. As I try to be as exhaustive as possible,
you might find this video a little long, so, to ensure you have all the information you
need, I've created a timeline with chapters in the video. This way you can jump to specific topics of
interest at any time. Let's begin our exploration of these common
scams and learn how to stay safe while enjoying the magic of the City of Light [Music] First scam of our list is the "Deaf & Mute Petition
scam, a common sight near major tourist attractions like the Opera, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur. The scam typically involves someone, often
a woman from Eastern Europe, pretending to be deaf and mute while holding a petition
board for you to sign. Once you've signed the petition, they will
request money, typically under the pretense of supporting a charitable cause. In more sinister scenarios, a second individual,
posing as deaf, may attempt to pickpocket you while you are signing the petition [Music] Second on our list, the "Cups and Balls" or
"Three-Card trick" scam. You'll find this near every tourist hotspot
in Paris, such as the Opera, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and more. While the "Cups and Balls" trick itself isn't
inherently fraudulent, scammers employ it as part of a larger scheme to deceive and
take your money. In these scams, the scammer often presents
the cups and balls routine as a gambling or betting game. Spectators are encouraged to bet on which
cup the ball is hidden under. However, the scammer, in complete control
of the cups and balls, can manipulate the outcome to ensure they win the bets. It's a group scam: around the scammer accomplices
will also place bets and win to create the illusion that winning is easy. It's essential to remember that gambling on
the street is illegal in Paris. Thus, it's best to avoid participating altogether
[Music] Next, when exploring crowded tourist areas,
you may encounter tuk-tuk drivers eager to offer you a ride. While some tuk-tuk drivers adhere to a price
chart with fixed rates for various destinations, there's a hidden catch that tourists often
overlook. The price chart displayed usually states rates
per person, a detail conveniently written in small font. Consequently, if you are traveling with up
to four people, the total cost can skyrocket. To outsmart this scam, ensure you confirm
the total cost with the driver before boarding. Fake taxi services can be a significant concern
primarily around Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, and Gare du Nord train station. Legitimate taxis from airports to Paris have
fixed fares, like 62 Euro for the South Bank and 55 Euro for the North Bank from Charles
de Gaulle airport. In airports, you'll find clear signage leading
you to the official taxi stands. However, scammers may approach you along the
way, offering a taxi ride. These fake taxi drivers often charge exorbitant
fees and may even hold you hostage in the vehicle if you refuse to pay their inflated
prices. To stay safe, always use the official taxi
stands, which are easy to find. Verify that your taxi displays an official
sign on the roof, features an official meter inside displaying the fare and bears the official
Paris taxi plate on the side of the vehicle. Never accept rides from any other vehicles
unless you've pre-booked a designated shuttle service or a Uber or Bolt and the likes. As you dine in Paris charming restaurants
and cafés, be mindful of certain dining scams that can affect your experience. One prevalent scam involves waitstaff insisting
on receiving a tip when you settle the bill. It is crucial to remember that service charges
are already included in French prices, so tipping is optional! If you find yourself persistently asked for
a tip, you can politely decline by saying "Je ne vois pas pourquoi": I don't see any
reason for that! Another trick occurs when you order a coffee
and, instead of serving the expected single coffee, you receive a double coffee or a café
au lait, a more expensive option. Similarly, if you order a beer, Parisians
typically receive a "demi" (half a pint), while tourist may unknowingly receive a "pinte"
(a full pint), at a higher price. Moving on, let's discuss the "Friendship Bracelet"
scam, frequently encountered near popular tourist spots like the Sacré-Coeur and the
Louvre. In this scam, an individual, often a Black
African man, approaches you and offers to tie a bracelet around your wrist, claiming
it's a friendship bracelet! While they initially present this as a gift,
they'll swiftly demand payment once the bracelet is on your wrist. In some instances, if you refuse to pay, the
scammers may become aggressive. To safeguard yourself, firmly say "Non merci!"
and keep your arm alongside your body. In any case, avoid letting them touch you. [Music]
Another area of concern in Paris is the presence of tobacco smugglers selling cigarettes at
slightly cheaper prices than you'd find at a licensed tobacco shop. While these cigarettes may appear genuine,
in the best case scenario they are often smuggled from countries like Spain or Belgium. In the worst case scenario there could be
counterfeit products potentially unsafe for consumption. To outsmart this scam, it's best to refrain
from purchasing anything on the street from individuals who lack the proper license to
sell. While not strictly a scam, it's important
to be aware of illegal street sellers who lay out sheets on the ground and display their
merchandise in a way that allows for a quick getaway if needed. These street vendors often operate without
a vendor's license, resulting in tax evasion and unfair competition against legitimate
souvenir sellers. Moreover, some of these street vendors may
sell counterfeit products including fake designer bags or sunglasses. Additionally, there's a chance that some of
these individuals are undocumented immigrants which raises legal concerns. [Music]
Now, let's talk about a different facet of street life in Paris: beggars. While most beggars are genuinely in need,
it's essential to exercise discretion in your giving, especially when children are involved. In May 2022, a dozen people suspected of participating
in a human trafficking network were arrested. Their activities centered around begging,
with women and children soliciting donations. While presenting themselves as refugees from
Syria, these families actually hailed from Romania, revealing a disturbing criminal network
exploiting child beggin [Music]
Moving on to the "Gold Ring" scam, which is prevalent wherever tourists gather. In this scam, an individual approaches you
and pretends to have found a valuable golden ring or bracelet. They hand it to you as a gift but quickly
request a small monetary gift in return. Never accept random gifts from strangers on
Paris streets. Politely decline by saying "Non merci"
[Music] Sscammers in Paris have devised various ways
to exploit tourists, including selling fake tickets in the Metro or offering counterfeit
tickets to popular attractions. These scammers may impersonate Metro Staff
and insist on assisting you in purchasing tickets. In one scenario, they may buy the cheapest
fare, usually a child's ticket, and charge you the price of an adult ticket. Alternatively, you might purchase a ticket
from a scammer that's either fake or already used. To avoid falling into these traps, always
seek out official ticket booths within Metro stations or use vending machines which offer
services in English. Now, let's turn our attention to a pervasive
issue in Paris: pickpocketing. Thieves are opportunistic and employ various
methods to steal your belongings. At restaurants, there are two techniques. First we have the "steal and run" technique,
where thieves grab something valuable, like a phone or wallet, left on a table at a cafe
or restaurant and make a swift getaway. Alternatively, the "sneaky one" may sit behind
you, especially if your jacket is hanging on the back of your chair. They'll discreetly explore your pockets while
you're engrossed in conversation or dining. Once they secure your valuables, they'll leave
as fast as possible. To thwart pickpockets, keep all your belongings
out of their reach and avoid leaving anything valuable on the table. [Music]
The "Lost Tourist" scam can occur anywhere in Paris but is often executed in Cafe Terraces. Here, you'll be approached by strangers or
a group asking for directions. They lay a large map on the table and while
you are assisting them, they'll swipe your valuables from underneath the map. To stay safe, keep a watchful eye on your
belongings at all times. You can even secure your bag or purse by wrapping
it around your arm or leg and keep your wallet concealed in a zippered pocket until necessary. [Music]
The Paris Metro system is a prime hunting ground for pickpockets. Thieves may strike as doors open or close,
taking advantage of crowded conditions. Some may grab your purse, bag or luggage as
those are closing, while others may snatch your belongings from the floor between your
feet. Groups of scammers, often teenagers, collaborate
to target individuals. While one distracts onlookers, another keeps
the victim occupied, a third snatches your valuables and a fourth swiftly escapes ensuring
minimal detection. To minimize your risk, avoid crowded spaces
within metro cars, sit or stand farthest from the doors and keep your bags in front of you. Be exceptionally cautious in the brief moments
before the door close. Remember, pickpockets aren't confined to the
metro cars: they operate at vending machines, turnstiles and platforms. [Music] Snatch theft is a common petty crime in Paris,
where thieves quickly grab your valuables and flee the scene. This can occur in various ways such as:
Your bags or luggage being snatched as metro doors close. Valuables being taken when left unattended
on the metro, at a restaurant or at the airport. Thieves inside a vehicle, like a car or bicycle,
may snatch your belongings as they pass by. If you have to go on a bus trip or organized
trip transfer to the airport or train station and you leave your luggage in front of the
bus hold, unattended, a thief just has to pass by and helps himself. To protect yourself, remain vigilant, always
keep an eye on your bags and valuables and consider using a slash proof bag to carry
your belongings. Also, a handy tip for luxury shoppers: when
making purchases at renowned brand boutiques like Louis Vuitton or Chanel, you can request
an unbranded back or, even better, opt for direct delivery to your hotel. This minimizes the risk of drawing unwanted
attention while strolling through the city with conspicuous shopping bags. [Music]
The ATM distraction snatch takes place near ATMs where one scammer distracts you while
you withdraw money. As you look away, a second scammer seizes
your cash. To mitigate this risk, use ATMs located inside
banks or choose well-lit ATMs in busy public locations
[Music] In conclusion, Paris is a city filled with
wonder and beauty, but it has also its share of scammers and thieves. When approached by strangers on the street,
maintain a healthy dose of caution. Remember, Parisians typically don't engage
in free hugs or excessive physical contact. Be assertive when refusing offers from strangers
and stay vigilant. That wraps up our exploration of scams, petty
thefts, and how to outsmart the tricksters in Paris. Stay safe, keep your wits about you and continue
enjoying the magic of this remarkable city.
