{"id":11201,"date":"2021-09-15T21:25:28","date_gmt":"2021-09-15T20:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/destinations-europe.com\/?p=11201"},"modified":"2023-12-09T19:12:12","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T18:12:12","slug":"visit-paris-all-the-scams-to-avoid-in-the-street","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/destinations-europe.com\/en\/visit-paris-all-the-scams-to-avoid-in-the-street\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Paris: all the scams to avoid in the street"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Going to Paris<\/a><\/strong> for a weekend is always a magical experience.\u00a0However, the magic can also fade quickly in the City of Light, depending on the encounters.\u00a0In the streets of the capital, there is no lack of opportunities to waste time and money, but the floods of tourists around the great monuments carry with them a few ill-intentioned people.\u00a0In front of the Eiffel Tower, at the foot of the Butte Montmartre and near Notre-Dame, many tourists are targeted, especially foreigners.\u00a0At Destination(s) Europe, we don’t like it very much, and we know Paris well, so here are the main scams to avoid in the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udeb2 By bike<\/strong>. Paris is one of the best cities in Europe for cycling. But do you know the other ten? If not, check out this article<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bonneteau, the most enticing tourist trap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Sectors<\/strong> : Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, Pont des Arts (near the Louvre)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with the scam that is almost part of the landscape of Paris, and for good reason: it has existed since the 14th century!\u00a0The principle is simple, and there is a good chance you have already played this when you were younger: three cups, a coloured ball (or a coin).\u00a0The ball is passed from one cup to another, and your opponent must find it when it stops moving.\u00a0This game that requires a certain dexterity and a trained eye.\u00a0However, in the streets of Paris, there is a small peculiarity: the ball leaves the game quickly and ends up in the hand of the con artist who convinces you that it is still moving between the cups.\u00a0You are, therefore, always the loser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These individuals act in groups, which has several advantages. First, accomplices help attract victims, by simulating easily won games. The usual bet is 50 euros and you will see the tickets being passed from one to the other. It’s tempting, but misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, the accomplices watch for plainclothes police officers in the crowd of onlookers, because this activity is obviously illegal.\u00a0At the slightest doubt, the chief con artist is prevented, and everyone runs off.\u00a0Finally, if you realize it is a scam and ask to see under the three cups at the same time, the friends of the bonneteur will take care of you by making you understand that you should not insist on too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the scam<\/strong>: <\/strong>simply do not play Bonneteau in the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BONUS<\/strong> : watch this little (magic) trick played on these scammers \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n