Common Tourist Traps in Paris
Karina Tsymbuk, a Ukrainian living in France, has detailed several fraudulent schemes targeting tourists in Paris that she witnessed during her time in the city. These scams include:
- Individuals posing as homeless people;
- Collecting donations on clipboards;
- Forcing bracelets onto tourists and then demanding payment.
One of the most widespread tricks involves fake homeless individuals. Karina explained that these people are likely part of an organized group. They sit on the ground in busy areas with a cup of coins.
“The people doing this don’t really look like homeless individuals—they seem more like some kind of business operation. These very resourceful people sit on the ground pretending to be homeless, placing a cup of coins in front of them in a high-traffic spot. Naturally, most people step on it, the coins scatter, and while you help pick them up, you end up donating some money,” she said.
Another scheme involves collecting donations on paper sheets. Karina described a woman on the street who handed her a sheet with a request for donations to set up a space for people with disabilities.
“I noticed there were already many signatures, and in the column for name, nationality, donation amount, and signature, several Ukrainians had also contributed. I thought I’d give €10. I pulled out a €20 bill and asked for change. She took the money but refused to give me the change. In the end, she did give it back. So if someone in Paris approaches you with these papers, asking you to sign or donate, you’re being scammed,” Karina added.
The final scam she described involves forcing bracelets onto tourists. In tourist-heavy areas of Paris, young men tie ribbon bracelets around your wrist while holding your hand tightly, then demand payment. “These guys walk around, tying ribbon bracelets onto your wrist. They act friendly, ask you questions, and meanwhile hold your hand very firmly. Once the bracelet is on your wrist, the real trouble begins,” she noted. If a tourist refuses to pay for the bracelet, the man may follow them, and his friends might join in, applying psychological pressure. “They don’t just ask for money—they demand it. You say ‘No’ and start walking away, but he follows you,” Karina emphasized.
Another Ukrainian woman named Mira, who lives in France, also shared advice on how to behave in the country. These scams can become a serious issue for tourists unfamiliar with such deceptive tactics.
The tourist scams in Paris reported by Karina Tsymbuk highlight the importance of travelers being aware of potential threats in high-traffic tourist destinations. The methods used by scammers often rely on emotional manipulation and psychological pressure, which can catch unsuspecting visitors off guard. Therefore, it’s wise to stay cautious and alert before donating money or signing any documents.