What, if anything, is the Petition Girls Scam?

Check out this website Roy, it explains it:

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/category/travel-scams/tip/deaf-mute-scams-in-europe

You are distracted by one or more 'petition girls' while the others pick your pockets, etc. NEVER agree to ask questions...and they are not representing any legitimate organization, no matter what they say. Same for the rosemary ladies....in Madrid they offer you a sprig of rosemary for good luck or whatever, then they will follow you for what seems an hours telling you that you owe them for the 'gift'. I have watched them operate in Madrid and they will be relentless in their pursuit.

Even if the petition girls and boys aren't thieves, if you sign the petition you will be asked to make a donation to their "cause". They can be very earnest and engaging, just walk away.

My petition "boys" pushed the paper in my face while the fingers darted for my wallet. They employ the elements of surprise and distraction. The simplest defence is to be rude; refuse to even acknowledge any attempt at conversation, don't say a word or make eye contact, and don't let them near you. Remember, they intend to be a whole lot ruder.

When we were at the Pope's Palace in Avignon, there was a group of 'deaf and dumb' girls with the petitions...I just put my hands up and walked away briskly without looking, but they were more bothersome to my husband - grabbing his shoulder and asking him to sign...yes - you are 'deaf and dumb'...lol. He just walked away - they even had a sign in the gift shop warning you about them. But, sorry to say, we did 'fall' for it on our first trip to Venice, but only to the tune of a few euros...and then hubby forgetting everything from 2008, got roped into it again outside Florence train station in 2012...while I'm walking away (I gotta stop doing that to him!)...I can't remember if he signed and 'donated' or not, or just signed and then walked away. No rifled pockets at least. Avignon happened not long after Florence, so he was more aware.

How about the ones on the train that go flying thru the car handing out notes to everyone asking for money to help 'raise their brothers and sisters' (or insert family issues here)...then come back thru a few min later to gather up the notes and money that anyone is silly enough to give - that happened twice - from Venice to Florence and then between CT and Ventimiglia. (And we didn't donate).

And I still remember the amazing transformation outside Sacre Coeur of the older man who was perfectly fine, then after taking a minute to set up, turned into a shaky old beggar - with the trembling hands and tremors and everything...quite a performance!

A lot depends on where a scam/con occurs. These things are much more prevalent in the Mediterranean regions and Paris, and maybe the old Iron Curtain countries than in Germany, Austria and most of northern Europe. That's not to say these places don't have their problems with con artists and scammers, but in Paris, southern France, Spain and Italy, from what I read, the cons and scams are on steroids.

I have seen con artists at work in Florence and Paris, but, knock on wood, I have not been targeted by them myself. That's partly luck, partly basic street smarts and partly because there's usually more tempting (richer-looking and careless) targets in the vicinity for con artists. But I still cannot understand how anyone could fall victim to a petition con. Even the legitimate ones are almost always just a foot-in-the-door for a request for donations.

I believe the petition kids are scammers because they're only in touristy areas (in Paris, at least). They seem to approach only tourists. If they're pushing a legitimate petition, why don't they approach locals only?

I don't know what they'd do if I stood around long enough, but I don't let them get close to me because I've heard on this site that one will distract you and others will go through your pockets/purse.

We've encountered the petition thing quite a few times. My husband found a unique way to deter them. When they approach, he waves his hand and says forcefully "nyet!". The Russian thing seems to startle them and they slink away.

I also recall once being asked if we would sign a petition against the drugs. We said "No, we are FOR the drugs!". They had a good laugh and let us on our way without further pestering.