Common Tourist Scams in Paris (and How to Avoid Them)
The pattern — exactly how the string scam works
- Where: the Rue Foyatier staircase (the long stepped street parallel to the Montmartre funicular), the funicular's upper landing, the basilica esplanade itself, and the cobbled approach from Place Saint-Pierre. Secondary location: the eastern edge of Place du Tertre at the entrance to Rue Norvins.
- Who: groups of 3-5 men, typically West African in appearance, often with a small pouch of coloured cotton threads at the waist. The men are not affiliated with any of the legitimate Montmartre artists working from Place du Tertre.
- The opening: a friendly approach — "where are you from? England? Welcome to Paris!" — then a hand offered as if to shake. The instant the tourist reaches back, the thread loops around the wrist and the first half-knot is tied. The whole opening takes 4-6 seconds.
- The lock: the knot is a slipknot held under thumb pressure so the tourist cannot pull free without scissors. Other group members close in to complete the "celebration" — sometimes a second bracelet on the other wrist.
- The demand: €20 first ("for my brother's wedding", "for the children", "for the church"). If the tourist hesitates, the demand escalates to €40-€50 with the rest of the group adding pressure. Card readers have appeared in 2024-2025 — some groups now carry SumUp terminals.
- The walkaway: if the tourist refuses to pay and walks toward the basilica, the group usually disengages within 30 seconds — there are too many other tourists arriving to waste time on a refuser.
FAQ
- What is the Paris bracelet scam in 2026?
- A group of men on the staircase below Sacré-Cœur (Rue Foyatier and the funicular landing) approach tourists, offer a handshake, and tie a coloured cotton thread around the wrist with a slipknot that's hard to remove. They then demand €20-€50 'for the children' or 'for a wedding'. The Préfecture de Police lists it as the dominant Montmartre tourist complaint and has stepped up plainclothes BRF patrols since 2023.
- How do I avoid the Sacré-Cœur bracelet scam?
- Hands in pockets or arms folded from the moment you reach the bottom of Rue Foyatier. Do not extend your hand for any reason — the scam needs your wrist. Firm 'non merci' without breaking stride; no eye-contact stops. The alternative routes via Metro Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12) or the funicular itself avoid the staircase corridor entirely.
- Are the bracelet scammers dangerous?
- Physically, no — there are no recorded assaults associated with the Montmartre bracelet scam through 2025. The risk is purely financial (€20-€50) and psychological (loud, public, embarrassing). Pickpocketing during the distraction has been reported; keep your phone and wallet zipped during any interaction.
- What's the best time to visit Sacré-Cœur to avoid scammers?
- 07:00-09:00 — the esplanade is empty, the panorama over Paris is at its clearest, and the scammer groups have not yet positioned on the steps. They typically arrive between 10:00 and 11:00 and stay through sunset. Early morning is also when you'll get usable photos without crowds.
Live Paris safety score (updates daily) →