Paris, the City of Light, attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning architecture, rich history, and romantic ambiance. However, amidst the beauty lurks a common scam that targets unsuspecting tourists: the petition scam. This page will equip you with the knowledge to recognize, avoid, and handle this deceptive practice, ensuring your Parisian adventure remains magical and scam-free.
How the Petition Scam Works
The petition scam is deceptively simple yet effective. Here's how it typically unfolds:
- Approach: A scammer, often a young person or someone pretending to be deaf or mute, approaches you in a tourist-heavy area.
- The Pitch: They present a clipboard with a petition, claiming it's for a good cause (e.g., helping deaf-mute children or fighting drug addiction).
- Pressure: You're urged to sign the petition and make a "donation."
- The Trap: Once you engage, you may be pressured to donate more money or distracted while an accomplice pickpockets you.
Common locations for this scam include:
- Near the Eiffel Tower
- Around the Louvre
- Steps of Sacré-Cœur
- Popular Metro stations
Red Flags to Watch For
Stay alert for these warning signs:
- Clipboard-wielding individuals approaching tourists
- People claiming to be collecting signatures for charity
- Aggressive or pushy behavior when you try to decline
- Individuals working in pairs or groups, with one distracting you while others lurk nearby
How to Avoid the Petition Scam
Protect yourself with these simple steps:
- Be wary of strangers approaching you with clipboards or papers
- Politely but firmly say "No" and keep walking
- Avoid engaging in conversation or accepting anything they offer
- Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
- Learn basic French phrases like "Non, merci" (No, thank you) to decline firmly
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you fall victim to the petition scam:
- Don't panic or confront the scammers – your safety is paramount
- Immediately check your belongings for any missing items
- Report the incident to the police – visit the nearest police station or call 17 (police emergency number in France)
- Contact your bank immediately if you've lost any cards or made a donation
- File a report with the Paris Tourist Office to help warn other travelers
Real Traveler Experiences
"I was approached near the Eiffel Tower by a young girl with a clipboard. She claimed to be collecting signatures for a deaf-mute charity. When I signed, she immediately demanded money. I felt pressured and gave €10 before realizing it was a scam." - Sarah, UK
"Two women tried the petition scam on us at Sacré-Cœur. Thanks to reading about it beforehand, we firmly said 'No' and walked away. They quickly moved on to other tourists." - Mike, USA
Legal Situation in Paris
The petition scam is illegal in Paris. Local authorities are aware of the issue and periodically conduct crackdowns. However, the mobile nature of the scammers makes it challenging to eliminate entirely. Tourists are encouraged to report any incidents to aid in ongoing efforts to combat this and other scams.
Similar Scams to Be Aware Of
While in Paris, also watch out for these related scams:
- The Ring Scam: Someone "finds" a gold ring near you and offers to sell it.
- The String/Bracelet Scam: A person ties a friendship bracelet on your wrist, then demands payment.
- The "Do You Speak English?" Scam: A setup to distract you for pickpocketing.
Enjoy your trip to the City of Light, and stay safe!