What is funny is that in outer Paris, we have tons of gypsies, too. I know most of mine by name, but they don't try to rob anybody. They just beg. Some of them have understood that I might give them something if they <b>don't</b> ask. The others are always asking and have not yet realized that when I give them a coin or two, it is because they forgot to ask.

Nevertheless, they are all friendly and I absolutely never worry about them. In "tourist central" it is another matter, so I kind of feel sorry for the people who insist on staying there.

Hi LarryJ! I'm glad you're still enjoying Paris.
Debbie

<i>But did it even happen? Read the original post. It sounds like a fantasy in paragraph one and then in paragraph two it "happened."</i>

Nothing fantasy about the first paragraph, although giving the source of the information would have rendered it more credible. Do you question the second paragraph?

<< Many thanks to Christina, a good member who actually travels in Europe. >>

It's bad form to thank one person by name and ignore other posters who said the same thing first, as KTtravel did. You would have to read KT's response to get to Christina's post. But I guess you ignored KT.

I also guess that you found my question offensive.

<< Well they took out a comment. Not the one requested though. >>

Cold - a very offensive comment (even more offensive than usual) by sandralist was (thankfully) removed. Since this thread is still active I suppose we've seen the last of her.

Yes I saw the post Adrienne. Hate to lose a valuable poster.

<I> Do you question the second paragraph?</I>

No, I don't question it but I certainly find it offensive since it assumes that the security camera information would not be viewed without a <b>demand</b>. Not to mention the fact that it also assumes that the bank is not properly equipped for security. Frankly, I have never seen a single interior ATM entrance in France that did not require a card to be used to obtain access. The whole point of those inside locations is that they are more secure. So if she went through with her operation even though the gypsies came in behind her, she is totally irresponsible.

What a shame that this space is wasted on such petty bickering. Get with the program and offer support and positive suggestions instead of peck, peck, pecking.

I for one, appreciate fair warning of any new threat or travel scam. Just two weeks ago while in Cordoba, Spain, I was approached by a person resembling a gypsy but I didn't ask for I'd (gee, did I say that out loud?) offering a rosemary sprig. I knew enough from repeated mention of this scam to walk past and not make eye contact with the person.

Fodor's is losing members who are fed up with this unnecessary, impolite, overbearing and unwanted self important arguing. Stop already! If you can't say something nice, say nothing. Better yet, start your own misery web site.

Sorry, got carried away with my rant and didn't proof closely enough: should read: "didn't ask for ID".

LarryJ Thank you for your input. I leave for Paris, at last, Friday, and I'm happy to acquire new tips for safety, food, and fun. I had read before to use the bank ATMs because it's easier to retrieve an eaten card. OK on to searching for the best place for tarte tatin. And maybe some posters should take the advice from travelchat.

The advice I usually read is to use an ATM inside a bank as it is more secure than outside. This is the first note I have read about the dangers of using ATMs inside the bank, and it will make me more cautious.

Urchins?! Really, you are stereotyping to the point of bigotry! On behalf of sealife everywhere, retract!
;-)

Thanks for the reminder to use caution regardless of location!

Perhaps I'm paranoid but I would never think a dimly lit, enclosed space would be secure. You never know who is waiting outside the door or who is coming in after you have entered. Even in my small town I would rather pay the ATM fee at an out-of-network location than go to my credit union and use the ATM machine inside their lobby after hours.

My vote is for an ATM machine in a brightly lit area with plenty of people around.

Actually, you might be amazed at the number of people who go to ATMs in Paris just to check their account and not at all to withdraw cash.

So people lurking at an ATM have a very limited chance of encountering anybody who came to get money.

What Ktravel wrote is rational.

To suggest that some crime (one crime) was committed by gypsies (one gypsy) is neither to suggest that all criminals are gypsies nor that all gypsies are criminals. Both are as patently ridiculous as to suggest that no crimes are committed by gypsies or that anyone who speaks of gypsies as a class is colluding in the Nazi persecution of gypsies. It is OTT.

Larry, wish you would post more about your life in Paris. Ignore the snarky people please.

"I have already "triangled" the OPs post for the offense that it is and if it is not taken down, don't worry, you will never, ever see me here again in any form or under name.."

Boy, your sense of self importance is staggering.

<< Frankly, I have never seen a single interior ATM entrance in France that did not require a card to be used to obtain access.>>

I have...The BNP on the corner where we stay in Paris has sliding glass doors that open with sensors, no card required. Often, evenings, one or more, apparently homeless, people are sleeping inside.

Two dark skinned boys tried to rob me at an ATM on the Rue de Bretagne last October. I assumed they were Roma as they looked and behaved kinda similar to the petition gels who hang around the tourist spots of Paris. I didn't follow them home though to find out if the lived in gypsy camp though. But I would be willing to bet they were from a gypsy family/community.

As someone whose street smarts, never all that acute, have dulled by years in a sleepy low-crime area, I find it helpful to read reminders obvious to those living in big cities.

A few years ago I spent part of an evening watching Spot the Pickpocket clips on YouTube after a post here. Pickpockets are pretty much unknown where I live, and blocking the metro doors is caused by poor manners, not criminal intent.

Armed robbery, not far from here, sure.

Larry J great information and thanks for reporting the technical issue. I'm now aware and glad of it.