A woman has issued a travel alert for anyone heading to Paris this summer and beyond, warning of a scam that nearly cost her family a significant amount of money. Nichola, who posts on TikTok as @fiftyinbloom, described the incident on the Paris Metro, urging others to remain vigilant.
What Happened at the Metro Station?
Nichola and her family were approached by a well-dressed, English-speaking man at a ticket machine. He offered to help them buy tickets, leading them to a machine where he entered details for a day trip. The total came to €97 (£83). Nichola said it was too expensive, but the man pressed payment confirmation and three tickets emerged. However, she noted that no payment confirmation appeared on the screen.
The man then took them to a turnstile, used a device for disabled access, and they entered without using the tickets. On the platform, he demanded €97, then said he'd accept €90 cash. When Nichola refused, he suggested a cash machine and asked for one person to go alone, which she declined. He eventually left with the tickets, and the group took a bus instead.
What Is the 'Friendly Stranger' Scam?
Nichola later identified this as the 'friendly stranger scam,' where scammers exploit tourists' gratitude for help. She admitted being suspicious from the start, advising others to trust their instincts.
According to a TikTok commenter, the Bonjour app offers digital train tickets for €30 (£25) all-day access, helping avoid such scams. Another user reported a similar scam involving a fake Metro badge.
How to Stay Safe
To avoid falling victim, use official apps like Bonjour for tickets, avoid accepting help from strangers at machines, and never follow anyone to a cash machine. If in doubt, trust your gut and seek official assistance.
