The “lost ring” scam is one of the oldest and most famous of the tourist scams in Paris, France and has now spread all across Europe where many tourists gather. There are several versions of this scam and its delivery is dependent on the scam artist or thief presenting the scam. One common thread is that always the story told by the con artist ends in asking for a few Euros in exchange for you keeping the gold ring.
How the Con Works
In essence, the “lost ring” or “found ring” scam, is based on the simple act of duping the target to believe that this is their lucky day. The scam can be targeted to anyone, but almost always a traveler. The scammer walks up next to you and quickly bends down and picks up a ring on the ground (that they placed prior to walking over it.) The ring is often a gold men’s wedding band.
The scammer (often a woman) then offers to give you the ring but asks for a small amount of money in exchange for doing so. She pleads that she has no money or job and would appreciate a few Euros in trade for the gold ring.
Another “reason” to give you the band is that she has no husband, or that her husband already wears a gold band and has no use for this one.
Some con-artists claim that it is against their religion to wear jewelry and that is why they want you to have it.
She continues on saying that the ring is worth a lot of money and it is your lucky day because she only wants a few euros in exchange for the ring. She pressures you into thinking that you are doing a kindness by giving her a few Euros. Laying on to her plea for a few Euros is that if she has a young child at her side making her look more honest or needy.
In reality, the ring is worthless and made of cheap brass – but it looks like gold.
Variations of the “Lost Ring Scam”
Some victims of this scam have reported that the scammer begins to yell if you don’t give them a finders fee. Other variations have included a few accomplices who just “happen” to be walking by and verbally support the fact that the ring is valuable and you are very lucky to have found it.
The best course of action in these cases is to simply walk away and try not to engage them in a conversation.
Videos of the Famous Paris Found Gold Ring Scam
What to Do if You’re a Target of This Street Scam
If you are approached by someone handing you a gold ring, the best thing to do is to walk away, and not engage with the scammer. Be prepared that they may yell at you and accuse you of stealing from them, even if you didn’t take the ring. Their motive is to get you to give them money so they will go away. Don’t cave in to their bullying and public shaming tactics. Remember they are the bad guy, not you.
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Tourists love to visit the Eiffel Tower at night, and that’s why there are pickpockets at the Eiffel Tower at night, too.
Many tourists visit the surrounding area of the Eiffel Tower at night to see it lit up with strobe lights and enjoy the tower’s nighttime ambiance. The benefit of visiting the tower late in the evening is that there are smaller crowds and shorter lines which make the ascent more pleasant. What attracts tourists is that the entire Eiffel tower is cloaked in the warm glow of 336 light projectors and 20,000 sparkling strobe lights – see the below video. From the tower’s observation decks, you can enjoy cool evening breezes as you view floodlit bridges, churches, and other landmarks in the glittering Parisian lightscape. Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is a beautiful way to appreciate Paris which is known as the city of lights.
Planning Your Nighttime Visit at the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is open until 11:45 p.m or 12:45 a.m., depending on the time of year. Entrance fees vary, depending on whether you’re climbing the steps or taking the elevator. However, make sure to check with their website, as this time and availability changes due to special events, holidays, as well as recent issues with political and terrorism concerns.
Pickpocket activity on the way to the Eiffel Tower
For years, pickpockets, both professional and opportunists, have known that a great spot to target the pockets and handbags of tourists is the subway metro lines 1 and 4, but more importantly, the main stretch of pavement from the Champ-de-Mars-BirHakeim metro and RER station to the Eiffel Tower. This area is where most of the tourists will get on and off the metro to walk to the tower. These specific locations were brought to the public’s attention when an undercover police story broke about the arrest of numerous young girls who were all pickpockets working in these locations. In December, Paris police arrested 19 people believed to be the ringleaders in a major pickpocketing operation on the Paris public transport network. These thieves targeted the metros and stops favored by tourists – as well as the walkway to the Eiffel Tower.
Authorities say the gang is responsible for about two-thirds of thefts on the metro and has netted at least €1.3m. The Paris police judiciaire has been working with Spanish and Italian authorities for the past three years to track down the leaders, who recruited 100 young girls from eastern Europe. Investigators believe the girls were threatened with violence if they failed to reach their daily targets, typically between €300 and €1,000 ($300-$1,060). This is a sad story, but one that all travelers need to be aware of. Many people make a living as pickpockets – both young and old, and in order for them to do so, someone – especially unknowing tourists will end up falling victim to these individuals. Let’s hope that reading these pages on how to identify pickpockets will give you enough insight so your trip to Paris will only be great memories of famous locations, great food, and interesting sights – not the lobby of a Paris police station making a report for having your wallet stolen.
Pickpocket Activity at the Eiffel Tower
Pickpocket Sign at the Eiffel Tower
Many tourists who visit the Eiffel Tower at nightfall victim to pickpockets. The strobes come on for about 10 minutes every hour to illuminate the Tower and that attracts the tourists, and the tourists attract the thieves. The pickpockets use a variety of distractions to target tourists such as asking for directions, asking the time, where the subway is in the area, as well as other common pickpocket distractions.
Visitors should also be aware that the Eiffel Tower operating company knows about the pickpocket problem too – and even documents that they are not responsible for theft due to pickpocket activity when visiting the tower. “The company may not be held liable for theft (from pickpockets), loss or damage of any kind, during a visit” is a quote from their website. While this is normal for any business that is open to the public, having a quote that specifically makes reference to “pickpockets” is not. This in itself should alert you to take additional precautions.
Pickpockets operate at a variety of locations at the Eiffel Tower. One of the most obvious indicators will be one of the numerous “beware of pickpocket” signs you will see at the base of the tower, right before you enter the Eiffel Tower elevators, within some of the elevators, as well as around the various observation decks.
Another location where pickpockets find their marks is the line for the women’s rooms at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes the line is very long, and once you get farther down into the bathroom area, the size of the corridors becomes narrow. Many tourists have reported thefts at this location, as well as while using the restroom at this location. This photo shows the pickpocket warning on the way down to the toilets.
Eiffel Tower Stairs and Pickpockets
If you elect not to wait for the Eiffel Tower elevator to take you back down due to the long, crowded lines, many tourists elect to walk down the stairs. Generally, walking down the Eiffel Tower’s stairs is not a great idea. While it may seem like a good idea initially, many pickpockets like to work the stairwell knowing that it is an easy location to target unsuspecting tourists. The stairwell is packed with tourists, going both ways. It is not very wide, so you are forced to bump into people during your journey. Many tourists have reported that they fell victim to pickpockets walking down the Eiffel Tower when they were targeted by pickpockets using the following pickpocket scam.
As you make your descent down the Eiffel Tower stairwell, about a 1/4 of the way down, the pedestrian crowd starts to back-up. You are forced to walk slower and begin to enter a packed crowd walking close together. A small group of people in front of you begin to walk very slow. It can be men or women, but many times it seems that the group is young women. The women stop short, causing you to bump into them. One of the girls begins to yell at you, while other women pickpockets are behind you and naturally bump into you. Everyone is trying to pass you, but you are held up by this unruly group of girls.
As many people try to pass you, items are removed from your pockets, purse of daypack. The same type of thieves do the same going up the Eiffel Tower. Think about this for a second, other than someone who wants one heck of a good workout, who walks up the Eiffel Tower, except someone up to no good.
Gold Ring Scam
Always be on the lookout for the Gold Ring Scam at the Eiffel Tower, or anywhere in Europe for that matter – but it does seem to hit the most in Paris.
Honesty and Lost Rings in Paris
The scam works like this. You are walking in Paris when a man, woman, or child crosses your path and suddenly stops and bends over, picking up a shiny object on the sidewalk. Many tourists think that the person is picking up a bottle cap or some other junk. That’s when the scam begins. Here is a sample conversation that has been repeated to thousands of tourists every year:
“Excusez-moi, Monsieur. Vousavezlaissévotrebagueici.” He showed me a large gold wedding band.
“What? No, it is not my ring, Monsieur.”
“Mais oui, c’est à vous.”
“Mais non. I have no ring.”
“Mais oui, it is your ring. Well, if it is not then give it to your woman. It will make her happy. It is a woman’s ring.”
He hands me the ring. Indeed it is heavy. Apparently gold. “Um, no. It is not mine.”
“I cannot wear it. I am a man,” he said. “Give it to your woman.” He turned and walked away.
“Well, OK. Merci, Monsieur.” I turned and walked away.
He turns again. “Ah, Monsieur. S’ilvousplait. I am hungry. I don’t have enough money for a baguette.”
“Um. OK. Take some change.” Hmm. He is honest but only needs money for a baguette. I gave him a few coins from the change still in my hand.
“No, that is not enough. Just a little more. I gave you the ring.”
“Well, OK, here is two euros but nothing more.” And I walk away.
You just fell victim to the “gold ring scam.”
Video of the Gold Ring Scam in Paris
The below video was shot by a family visiting Paris. Wait for a few seconds and you will see a young man stop in front of the boy, bend over, and pick up the “gold ring” and try the scam. This family was smart and moved on. But at least you have an idea of how innocent this scam looks when it happens.
Other Paris Tourist Scam
Dancing doll scam. You will find this scam on the streets of Paris. It looks like these dolls magically dance, but don’t be fooled and keep a hand on your wallet or bag.
“I am from Bosnia – Do you speak English scam”
This is a classic setup scam used around the world. Gangs of women roam around beneath the tower. They usually wear bright clothing, long skirts, maybe even a flower in their hair. Their approach is usually to ask if you speak English. If you acknowledge them, they hand you a white card. On it is written how they have escaped from Bosnia (or another country) with their brother, they are homeless and need help, and can you spare any change? So what do you do? Appear hard-hearted and tell them you don’t have anything? Or give them something? Meanwhile, while you are distracted by reading their card, any unprotected belongings are rifled by an accomplice. Given there are large numbers of these women, all carrying white cards, there must be a lot of homeless Bosnian siblings in Paris. Best to wave them away as soon as they approach you and they quickly go off seeking another victim. We were approached at least twice on each visit to the tower.
“Crippled old lady” scam
You may come across an old woman, painfully bent over and using a child’s crutch with a begging bowl out. Watch for long enough, and you will see her make a miraculous recovery, put the crutch under her arm, and stroll casually away with her “earnings”. Best to ignore her and keep walking.
“Praying to my cup” scam
This one was actually more common on the Champs Elysee but if frequently found at the tower base. A woman with a headscarf will be kneeling in silent prayer before a cup on the ground. Watch long enough, and you will see her get up, walk with her cup to a nearby accomplice, casually tip her “earnings” into his bag, then go to another spot to take up her position of prayer once again. Best to ignore her and keep walking.
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If you have never fallen victim to a pickpocket, you are lucky – and to tell you the truth – if you are just a little street smart, you may never in your lifetime. However, pickpockets come in a variety of levels of expertise from the expert to the opportunist. Falling victim to either one and losing your credit cards, as well as your passport and currency or phone can really put a crimp on your vacation abroad. Even seasoned travelers can fall victim to a distraction and be pickpocketed. See how easily you can be distracted by one thief while an accomplice relieves you of your valuables.
Learn from these prevention tips provided by a victim.
5 TIPS From a Victim of a Pickpocket
Here are five tips that the victim’s wife said she and her husband from now on will always follow.
1. I’ll leave all non-essential cards and documents at home.
I will thoroughly empty out my wallet before I leave home, but I could have done a better job. There was no reason for me to carry my driver’s license abroad, for example, and now I’m still waiting on a replacement! (Ahem, New York State DMV.) Hint keep images of ID on your password-protected phone.
2. I won’t withdraw large sums of cash at once from an ATM.
I’ve always withdrawn wads of foreign currency at a time under the theory that I was keeping ATM fees to a minimum. I found out it’s not worth the risk; next time, I’ll pay the five dollars!
3. I’ll divide my cash and credit cards into at least two stashes.
I generally try to be good about carrying half of my funds in a money belt and half in a wallet or secure pocket, but from now on, I will always do that.
If half gets stolen, at least I’ll have backup cards.
4. I’ll remember that I brought that zippered purse or travel bag for a reason and will always engage the zippers, and lock them down with the anti-theft clasp.
These are our favorite anti-theft handbags that have built-in pickpocket prevention features.
5. I will use an anti-theft travel bag to hold all valuables including my phone, and never use my back pocket ever to hold anything I don’t want to lose.
6. ( Bonus tip) I will travel with the phone numbers of my credit-card companies( hint keep them in your phone contacts).
As I was scrambling to find the numbers on the Internet, I couldn’t help thinking that having them on hand would have saved a lot of time during post-pickpocket cleanup.
Bonus Story
The following video is of a woman who was targeted by a pickpocket while she was riding on the Paris Metro and had her wallet stolen from her purse. Pay close attention to the portion of the video where the woman talks about her purse.
Be proactive before you travel and plan how you will protect your valuables in public places. One of the best ways you can thwart the actions of a pickpocket is to use a security purse or travel bag that has built-in anti-theft features. Have peace of mind and enjoy the sights knowing your gear is secure with an anti-theft bag.
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How to avoid child pickpockets in Italy
While Venice is one of the jewels of Italy, it also has a reputation for children pickpockets. Most first-time tourists to Italy pick Venice as one of their destinations to visit. First-time tourists and even repeat visitors should be aware of children pickpockets in Venice. Tourists that are enjoying the charms of the city are prime targets for pickpockets of all ages including child pickpockets.
What may take thieves just a moment to “lift” from your pockets (passports, credit cards, and airline tickets) may take you days to replace. So travelers beware of even innocent-looking locals be they a well-dressed business person standing next to you or a playful group of young children.
Children as Thieves – Pickpockets in Venice
Schooling for thieves starts very early. A traveler was seated on a crowded bus in Rome on her way to the Vatican. She glanced down at her lap to find a tiny little hand reaching into her now unzipped fanny pack. The child could not have been more than 6 years old. Groups of children have been known to gang up on unsuspecting travelers as well. One common scenario is the newspaper trick. A group of children approach the unsuspecting tourist and ask for money or try to sell you knick-knacks as they jab at you with newspapers or cardboard. The papers effectively block your view of little hands fast at work, opening pockets, slashing belts, and cleaning out your travel funds. If you do catch on, usually the shock of being robbed by children delays your reaction a moment more, making for a successful robbery.
Why Children Make Good Thieves
Street vendors selling souvenirs can be a distraction for tourists and an attraction for pickpockets.
More common in Rome and other Italian cities child pickpockets are now working in Venice too. Under 14 years of age, these children cannot be held accountable for their crimes by local law. So they are ideal for older thieves to train and put out on the streets to work. If the child thieves are picked up by police, they are taken to child refugee safe houses, and then they abscond in the morning only to be back on the street the very next day. Some of the children are stopped by Carabinieri (national police), fed-up local vigilantes and shopkeepers on a daily basis, but the rewards are great and the young thieves keep on robbing.
Be streetwise – Venice is a very safe town but pickpocketing is one thing you should look out for. Favorite places for the robbers include busy lanes and bridges, the bus terminus at Piazzale Roma, the St. Mark’s area and rush-hour water buses. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if the only people near you are ten-year-olds or heavily-pregnant girls; these are classic examples of the pickpockets sent out by Fagin-like operators. Newspapers have reported children as young as 5 being employed in crime. Be very aware of people falling in behind you in a queue, especially if you are being jostled. Shout loudly and attract attention if someone attempts to rob you.
Often girls are the ones to approach purse-carrying women as they seem the least threatening. They will play around you or distract you with a cardboard sign asking you to buy a trinket or candy. Children also have smaller hands which you may not feel slipping into a bag or pocket. Venice with its many alleys and narrow streets is an ideal setup for the thieves to steal from tourists and to and run away out of sight. Your best defense is a security purse that has built-in anti-theft features to keep your valuables secure from pickpockets. Travel with peace of mind.
Anti-Theft Travel Gear
Our best advice is to carry your valuables close to your body and hidden from view, if you can’t leave them locked in a hotel room safe. A neck pouch that zips closed or uses velcro to stay closed should be worn under your shirt or blouse. Even if the neck cord is visible or the item is a bit lumpy under your shirt most likely a thief will pass you up for another victim that isn’t wearing one. Another similar type of body wallet is a flat money belt that you tuck into the front of your pants.
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your lifetime. However, pickpockets come in a variety of levels of expertise from the expert to the opportunist. Falling victim to either one and losing your credit cards, as well as your passport and currency or phone can really put a crimp on your vacation abroad. Even seasoned travelers can fall victim to a distraction and be pickpocketed. See how easily you can be distracted by one thief while an accomplice relieves you of your valuables.
that have built-in pickpocket prevention features.
