Scams Near Disneyland Paris And Paris

Paris is one of the most magical cities in the world, and if you’re visiting Disneyland Paris too, you’re in for a treat. 

But as much as I wish it was all sunshine and rainbows, unfortunately, in today’s world, there are awful people everywhere—even in places full of pixie dust.

Now, I don’t want to scare anyone off—the likelihood of encountering these scams is slim, but it’s always better to be prepared. Thankfully, we’ve been pretty switched on, so these scams haven’t impacted us directly, but we’ve learned what to look out for.

And now you will too, so you can stay one step ahead of the tricksters and focus on enjoying your trip stress-free.

Scams Near Disneyland Paris

Here are the scams to look out for directly near the parks.

Crowded Shuttle Scams

The free shuttles from nearby hotels are such a handy way to get to the parks, and I use them all the time without any issues.

But, like with any crowded public transport, there’s always the chance of encountering a bad egg—pickpockets love busy places where people are distracted.

How to Avoid It:

• Keep your valuables zipped up and secure in a bag that stays close to your body.

• If you’d rather skip the hustle and bustle, rideshare apps like Bolt or Uber are a great alternative and not too pricey, especially if you’re splitting the cost.

Reselling Tickets

You might be approached outside the gates of Disneyland Paris by someone offering to buy your entrance ticket.

At first, you might think, “Great! Here’s a chance to get some money back,” or maybe you’ll feel like you’re helping someone out. Don’t give them the time of day.

These people are looking to buy your ticket so they can gain entry and pickpocket unsuspecting guests inside the park.

How to Avoid It:

• Politely decline and keep your ticket for the day.

• Stay alert if anyone approaches you near the park gates offering money for your ticket.

Begging Scams on the RER A

If you’re taking the RER A train to Disneyland Paris, you might come across individuals handing out little cards saying they’re homeless and asking for €1 or €2 for food.

While it might pull on your heartstrings, this is often part of a well-organized scam—you’ll likely see the same people doing this on multiple trains. If you give in, it can open a can of worms, as others may see you as an easy target and start approaching you too.

How to Avoid It:

• Politely ignore the cards and avoid handing over cash.

• Don’t be afraid to be assertive if someone persists or makes you feel uncomfortable. Supporting verified charities is a much better way to make a real difference.

Leaving Prams and Bags Unattended

The excitement of Disneyland Paris can sometimes make people forget their belongings, but leaving prams or bags unattended outside attractions is an open invitation for opportunists.

Pickpockets aren’t just looking for what’s in your pram—they might take the entire thing.

If you’re bringing a pram, consider using a cheap one you don’t mind losing. And remember, you’re not allowed to lock pushchairs to railings, so it’s best to take precautions.

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t bring an expensive pram that you’d hate to lose. The Facebook group ‘Pass on a Pushchair’ is a fantastic resource for finding budget-friendly or even free pushchairs perfect for Disney trips.

• Never leave valuables on or in your pram—take them with you, even if it’s inconvenient.

• Use the lockers in the park for larger items you don’t want to carry.

Scams in Paris

And here is everything to watch for directly in the city.

Petition Scams

Around popular spots like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, young people with clipboards might approach you, asking you to sign a petition. As you’re distracted signing, they may pickpocket you or demand money for the “cause.”

How to Avoid It:

• Firmly say no and keep walking. You will not hurt their feelings by being assertive.

Friendship Bracelet Scam

This one’s the most hands-on scam I’ve ever seen, and it’s usually near Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.

A scammer will try to tie a bracelet around your wrist and, once it’s on, demand payment. They can get quite aggressive if you refuse, and will block the way for you to get through. 

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t let anyone near your wrist, and if someone approaches with string, step back and say no. Shout if you have to. I did.

• Form a ‘link train’ with the people you are with, the most assertive at the front, and just walk through/around. 

Gold Ring Scam

You’ll likely encounter this near tourist areas. A scammer “finds” a gold ring on the ground and offers it to you, claiming it’s your lucky day. Once you accept, they’ll demand money as a thank-you.

Shocker: the ring is fake.

How to Avoid It:

• Ignore the person and keep walking. I’ve noticed this is ‘elderly’ women mostly, which can make you stop in your trucks, but don’t!

ATM/ Ticket Machine Scams

Be cautious at ATMs, especially those on the street. Some scammers may offer to “help” you or install skimming devices to steal your card information. 

They will do the same at ticket machines for public transport. 

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to ATMs inside banks and never accept assistance from strangers. 

• You can convert the machines into English, and they are very straight forward so decline help from anyone. They even have uniform on sometimes.

Taxi Scams

Taxis without official signage or drivers refusing to use the meter are a common trap in Paris. You could end up paying far more than the trip is worth.

How to Avoid It:

• Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt, which offer clear pricing upfront.
Especially at airports, use rideshare apps. You may agree a price before getting in, then it will double once you are halfway to your destination. 

Conclusion

We’re sorry if this has worried you—that wasn’t our intention! While this list of scams near Disneyland Paris and Paris might seem long, remember that these scammers rely on numbers, encountering thousands of visitors every day. The likelihood of you needing to action anything on this list is quite low.

With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy your trip without a hitch.

So pack your cross-body bags, double-check your zips, and get ready to make some magical memories!

At time of writing, there are currently no restrictions prohibiting visits to France. You can see more info on this at gov.co.uk.