5 famous tourist traps in Paris and how to save yourself

Paris is a dream destination for every traveller! The city of love, romance and dreams, attracts with its ancient architecture and iconic streets. However, not many must be aware of the fact that the beautiful French city also attracts its fair share of scammers and tourist traps.
If you are also planning a trip to the ‘City of Light’, it is crucial to be aware of some of the most common and famous scams so that you don’t get duped or scammed.
A look at five most famous tourist traps in Paris and how to escape them.
Friendship Bracelet Scam: This is the most common scam on the streets of Paris. A number of new and first time visitors have been a victim of this scam especially near prominent tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre.
This scam involves mostly local women coming out of nowhere with a bunch of colourful string and tying quickly a "friendship bracelet" around tourists wrist. They will then ask for an unnecessary price for the bracelet. Also don’t listen to them as they might tell you a sob tale to make you emotional for paying.
How to save yourself: Avoid, don’t listen and leave the spot as soon as possible. Don’t engage in any conversation. Simply walk away.
The Petition Scam: Now this one is pretty interesting. If you are a new visitor at Eiffel Tower, you will get to see individuals, most of the time young females, with clipboards asking you to sign a petition. They’ll tell you that they are taking signatures for some charitable cause (related to the deaf or disabled). Once you sign, they'll ask for insane money. They also get aggressive.
How to save yourself: Don’t sign, whatever they say, just say a polite ‘No’. Keep walking, don’t turn back to look.
The Charity Donation Scam: The charity donation scam is also more or less similar to the petition scam. It involves individuals telling you an emotional story and will ask money in the name of “charity”. They will often tell you that they are helping kids, orphans or refugees. They may also show you forms which look legal.
How to save yourself: Don’t pay. Ignore and walk away from such scammers.
Overcharging Taxis Scam: Taxis in Paris charge insane prices and tourists often fall victim to overcharging. The taxi drivers who charge you more will take longer routes, they might also say that the meter is broken. Some often refuse to use the meter completely.
How to save yourself: Before getting inside the taxi, check if the meter is working. Make sure you are aware of the map of the place where you are travelling to. Also book taxis through official apps.

The Pickpocketing Scam: Now this is another famous scam and a prime concern in Paris. Pickpocketers might approach asking for help. They can also create a scene where you just take your eyes off for seconds and your belongings are gone!
How to save yourself: Don’t leave your luggage or belongings unattended, even for a second. Don’t trust strangers asking for help or pretending to help you. Avoid carrying cash or valuables. Be extra cautious in crowded regions.
Now that you know some of the common traps, you can enjoy your Paris trip and make the best of it. Stay alert and vigilant all the time to avoid these scams.