France
Scams in Paris
Active scams and fraud schemes targeting people in Paris (2.2M population). These scams are tracked across France and are known to affect residents in the Paris area. Learn the warning signs, check what is trending, and find out where to report.
Report fraud in Paris
Where to report scams
If you have been scammed in Paris, report it through the official France channels. Acting fast improves your chances of recovery and helps protect others in your area.
Scam index
Scams affecting people in Paris
11 scams tracked across France
fake Airbnb support scam
Scammers impersonate Airbnb customer support via phone calls, emails, or fake help websites to steal login credentials, payment information, or trick users into making off-platform payments.
Contact Airbnb support only through the official app or airbnb.com — never through phone numbers found in Google search results.
Travelers
U.S.
fake vacation rental scam
Scammers post fake vacation rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate properties, collect full payment or deposits, then leave travelers with no accommodation upon arrival.
Book and pay only through the official platform (Airbnb, Vrbo) and never send money outside the platform.
Travelers
U.S.
currency exchange rip-off scam
Unregulated currency exchange booths and apps target summer tourists with extremely unfavorable exchange rates and hidden commissions, costing travelers 10-30% more than fair rates.
Use your bank's ATM abroad for the best exchange rates, and choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups.
International travelers
U.S.
restaurant menu QR code swap scam
Criminals replace legitimate QR codes on restaurant tables with fraudulent ones that lead to phishing sites disguised as menus or payment portals, harvesting customer payment data.
Ask your server for a physical menu or the restaurant's official website or app name.
Restaurant diners
U.S.
fake WiFi login QR code scam
QR codes posted in public spaces promise free WiFi access but lead to a fake login portal that captures email credentials and personal data or installs malware.
Ask staff for the official WiFi name and password rather than scanning posted QR codes.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb off-platform payment request scam
Hosts convince guests to pay outside the Airbnb platform to avoid service fees, leaving travelers with no payment protection and often no actual reservation.
Never pay for an Airbnb stay outside the Airbnb platform — the platform's payment system includes guest protection and dispute resolution.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb bait-and-switch property scam
Guests book an appealing property on Airbnb but upon arrival, the host claims an issue and moves them to a significantly inferior property with no refund option.
Contact Airbnb support immediately if a host tries to relocate you — do not accept a switch without Airbnb's involvement.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb damage claim extortion scam
Hosts file fraudulent damage claims against guests after checkout, submitting fake or pre-existing damage photos to collect repair fees through Airbnb's resolution center.
Photograph the entire property at check-in and check-out to have timestamped evidence of its condition.
Travelers
U.S.
hotel WiFi phishing scam
A fake hotel WiFi login page mimics the hotel's branding and asks for your room number, name, and credit card to provide internet access, stealing your payment information.
Verify the exact WiFi network name and login procedure at the front desk before connecting.
Travelers
U.S.
AI-generated news anchor scam
Scammers create fake news broadcasts using AI-generated anchors who report fabricated stories designed to promote fraudulent products, investments, or political disinformation.
Cross-reference any news clip with the official website of the network it claims to represent.
Seniors
U.S.
fake transit pass scam
Scammers sell counterfeit monthly or annual transit passes for subway, bus, or rail systems through online marketplaces and social media.
Purchase transit passes only from official transit authority websites, apps, or authorized retail locations
Commuters
U.S.