Tourists in Paris are being warned about a brazen scam where a café, falsely advertising itself as an 'American' establishment, has been caught charging unsuspecting visitors an extra €10 for drinks.
The café, located near a popular tourist hotspot, has been accused of deliberately targeting foreigners by presenting an English menu with inflated prices—while locals receive a separate, cheaper version in French.
How the Scam Works
According to reports, the café lures in tourists with signs promoting 'American-style' service. However, once seated, visitors are handed a menu with significantly higher prices than those offered to Parisians.
- Tourists are charged €15 for a simple coffee, while locals pay just €5.
- The English menu lacks price transparency, with hidden fees added at payment.
- Staff allegedly become confrontational if customers question the charges.
Locals Speak Out
Parisians have expressed outrage over the scam, calling it an embarrassment to the city's hospitality. One resident stated, 'This gives our city a bad name. Tourists should not be tricked like this.'
Authorities are investigating, but experts advise travellers to:
- Always check prices before ordering.
- Ask for a menu in both English and French to compare.
- Be wary of overly aggressive waitstaff.
Paris remains one of the world's top travel destinations, but incidents like this highlight the importance of staying alert to avoid being ripped off.
