On our most recent trip we were absolutely amazed that we almost got by without running in to any of the usual scam artists working the streets. The only time we saw anything was one guy running the shell game over by the tower. Other than that, no petition girls, found gold rings, bracelets, etc. The petition girls were always present before, but saw nothing of the kind this past trip. It was refreshing not to be pushing people away all the time. Is there something that has changed or were we just lucky?
Posted by
Portsmouth
5536 posts
Is there something that has changed or were we just lucky?
The pandemic.
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1188 posts
JC, Paris was so crowded with tourists that we figured they would be out in full force. In fact, we have never seen Paris so crowded. At least people are back out traveling again. Hopefully the scam artists stay scarce.
Posted by
140 posts
I noted the same thing when we were in Paris last week. I know the base of the Eiffel is now enclosed, so that helps, I'm guessing, in that area, but we saw no evidence of the typical scams. Florence not so much. Approached at least 3-4 times by begger women, long floral skirts, head scarves, etc. We usually completely ignored them and walked away. One time we were seated and not as able to move off, so told her in Italian to leave me alone. She paused for a sec, seemed surprised, then went into her spiel again. I again told her to leave me alone, in my most irritated mom voice, and she got the message.
We also were approached on two occasions in Florence by African men holding braided bracelets. Each started with "happy wife, happy life" then asked where we were from. We opted to just move on, so didn't get far enough into the con for more detail.
Posted by
Chicago
8540 posts
I have been here over a month and was here 6 weeks in the fall and have not seen any of the usual scammers. We also are not seeing many of the musical buskers that used to haunt the metro -- I for one, miss them.
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1188 posts
Janet, we too enjoy the musicians. In fact, our last visit, bought a CD off one of them and still listen to it. But the scammers, no thank you!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1981 posts
Maybe the police ran them off
Posted by
Portsmouth
5536 posts
JC, Paris was so crowded with tourists that we figured they would be out in full force.
The majority of the scammers, thieves etc are not Parisians. Many went back home during the pandemic and have yet to return.
I've witnessed similar with the car wash staff at my local supermarket. They were all Romanian and had been working there for years but disappeared once the pandemic struck and have not returned.