MaisonPlague

Just a reminder to everyone travelling to Paris to watch their backs whilst taking cash out from a street ATM. I nearly got done yesterday morning whilst at a cashpoint in the Rue de la Bretagne by two teenage boys. They interrupted me just after I'd entered my PIN and covered the ATM screen with a map. One of the little sods even pressed the 100 euro withdrawal button! Luckily I was able to make them leave by threatening them with the Police and was able to hang on to my dosh. It dawned on me later that the best thing to do in that situation is to hit the 'annuler' button straight away. Spoke later to a French woman who said this sort of thing is not uncommon in Paris and it is best to take cash out from a machine located inside a bank branch.

Dukey1

Punch the little jerks in the mouth next time

Christina

It would be best, but I don't think you can usually do that (use ATMs inside a bank) unless you are a customer. SOme banks you can't get in without a special customer code, I"ve had that happen. But bank offices aren't around that many places, either, unfortunately.

I just try to do it in less dicey areas and first look and see what is in the immediate vicinity. Rue de la Bretagne isn't that bad an area, either.

kerouac

Yes, this can happen anywhere, but most of the reports have been from the "good" parts of town where people appear to be less attentive to what is going on around them. Living in "poortown," I always scan the environment around me before using an ATM out on the street.

Anyone feeling paranoid is encouraged to use the ATMs <b>inside</b> banks and post offices, which of course are MUCH more secure than many street locations.

jamikins

Yikes, glad it worked out ok!

We always go to the machine together, one of us use the machine, the other stands guard!

amer_can

Jamikins' idea of going in twos is a good one. Have never had trouble but that is not to say it could happen most anywhere. 6'6" GR.son was very popular on a group trip in Europe as a security person..He loved the opportunity to meet and mingle.

PalenQ

Such things seem to be routine in Paris - a friend had his I-phone stolen in a McDonalds while sitting at a table - two young gals came and thrust a hand-written note in his face asking him something - when he said no and pushed it away the gals ran out with his I-phone - dozens and dozens of these things - I've seen right at metro ticketing machines in main train stations - flummoxed foreigners trying to figure them out - some folks - always working in twos in seems offer to help put the coins in, etc and voila some valuables are gone.

and the perfume and watch scams - if it sounds too good to be true it is.

Be wary at metro turnstiles when someone may try to squeeze in with you - they may be just fare dodging or as I have seen with my own eyes unzipping a day pack, etc.

Be very careful in Paris, one of the worst cities in Europe IME for petty pickpockets, etc.

Know the problem and there is no problem so thanks to Maison Plague for posting this!

and don't be scared away from Paris just be prudent and wary of anyone coming up to you, unfortunately, for any reason!

MaisonPlague

Yup PalenQ, it has been a bit of a sharp reminder to me not to let my guard down. It happened on a sunny Sunday morning in the Marais and was the last thing I was expecting to happen. Thanks to everyone for your comments. Btw, I saw the petition girls were back on the case this morning in Montmartre - they really freaked one guy out by sort of rushing him at the top of the stairs waving their bits of paper about. Anyway apart from all that can I just say I am having the most marvellous time here in Paris! I spent most of Sunday zooming round the centre on a Velib bike. It only costs 1.70 a day. Terrific.

zoecat

I had the same thing happen to me at an ATM in Paris about 8 years ago. The female partner of the guy waving a paper and manipulating the buttons of the ATM grabbed 300 euro before I realized what was happening. She put the money in a folded newspaper and started to walk away. I grabbed her arm and the newspaper and retrieved my cash. I then followed them around the neighborhood, hoping I would see a cop before they ditched me. A couple of days later I spotted the guy and he saw me and ran. Be careful when at an ATM on the street.

MaisonPlague

Well done you for getting your money back although people sometimes advise against physically tackling these thieves. They make my blood boil though!

zoecat

I wanted to beat the crap out of the punks (although I never would).

I guess their little brothers are in the "business" now.

zoecat

I wanted to add for others-

These kids were pretending to pass out newspapers near the ATM. So, beware if you see kids near the ATM doing this. And if you do see them, please give them a swift kick for me.

kovsie

I came a bit late to this thread, but still want to say: good for you for foiling the rascals MaisonPlague! Glad you and your money were safe.
Zipping around on a Velib bike - oh my it must have been absolutely great! Careful: the same guy who does not like Regent street may think you are 'superficial' for enjoying yourself this much
Would you not consider writing a short TR about it? I may be going to Paris in summer and would love to know more.