Key Takeaways
- The #1 reported scam is the Bird Droppings Pickpocket Scam
- 2 of 10 scams are rated high risk
- Use app-based ride services (Uber, Bolt) or official metered taxis instead of unmarked vehicles
- Never accept unsolicited offers from strangers near tourist sites in Biarritz
⚡ Quick Safety Tips
- Keep phones and valuables in secure pockets when in crowded areas
- Use only licensed taxis or app-based ride services
- Book tours and tickets through verified operators with online reviews
- Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original
Jump to a Scam
- Medium Bird Droppings Pickpocket Scam
- Medium Beach Blanket Theft at Grande Plage
- Medium Camera Drop Scam
- High ATM Card Skimming and Shoulder Surfing
- Medium Shell Game and Three-Card Monte
- High Friendly Bar Overcharging Scam
- Medium Les Halles Market Pickpocketing
- Low Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
- Medium Fake Charity Petition Scam
- Medium Remote Beach and Parking Lot Car Break-Ins
The 10 Scams
You're walking along the promenade near Grande Plage when suddenly something white and sticky lands on your shoulder.
You look up instinctively, thinking it's bird droppings. Immediately, a 'helpful' local appears, tutting at the pigeons and offering to help clean you up. While you're distracted and they're wiping your shoulder, their accomplice is emptying your pockets or bag. The 'droppings' are actually white paste thrown by a confederate.
Red Flags
- White substance appears on your clothing in a location without visible birds overhead
- A stranger immediately materializes to help clean you without being asked
- They seem overly focused on the 'mess' while their hands wander near your pockets
- Multiple people seem to be involved or watching the interaction
How to Avoid
- If substance lands on you, step away from any 'helpers' and handle it yourself
- Say 'Non, merci, ca va' (No thanks, I'm fine) and move to a shop or restaurant to clean up
- Keep wallet in a front pocket or secure crossbody bag that can't be accessed while you're distracted
- Be suspicious of any 'helpful stranger' appearing instantly after an unexpected mishap
You've found a perfect spot on the golden sands of Grande Plage and left your bag and belongings on ...
You've found a perfect spot on the golden sands of Grande Plage and left your bag and belongings on your beach towel while going for a quick swim in the Atlantic. In those few minutes, a thief has been watching and waiting. They casually stroll past your blanket, scoop up your phone, wallet, and keys in one fluid motion, and disappear into the crowd before you've even noticed. Beach theft spikes during July and August.
Red Flags
- Someone lingers near beach blankets without setting up their own spot
- A person engages you in conversation while their companion wanders behind you
- Crowded beach conditions make it easy for strangers to walk close to your belongings
- Someone offers to 'watch your things' while you swim
How to Avoid
- Never leave valuables unattended on the beach - use a waterproof pouch to take essentials into the water
- Leave passport, excess cash, and electronics in your hotel safe before heading to the beach
- Swim in shifts with companions so someone always watches belongings
- Position yourself near lifeguard stations where surveillance is higher
You're admiring the stunning view from Rocher de la Vierge when a friendly tourist asks if you'd ...
You're admiring the stunning view from Rocher de la Vierge when a friendly tourist asks if you'd take their photo with their nice-looking camera. You oblige, and as you hand the camera back, they fumble it dramatically and it crashes to the ground. They examine their 'broken' camera and start demanding you pay for the damage - €200-300 or more. The camera was already broken or is a cheap prop.
Red Flags
- A stranger specifically approaches you (out of many people nearby) to take their photo
- They hand you the camera in an awkward way that makes it easy to drop
- The 'fumble' when you return it looks theatrical or exaggerated
- They immediately become aggressive and demand specific amounts of cash
How to Avoid
- It's fine to take photos for tourists, but hand the camera back carefully and step back before releasing
- If they drop it, remember the fumble was on their end
- Never pay cash on the spot; suggest involving police if they claim damage
- Walk away if they become aggressive
You're withdrawing cash from an ATM near the casino when someone approaches offering helpful advice about fees.
While they 'help,' they're watching you enter your PIN and may have a card skimmer in their pocket scanning your card's magnetic strip. Or they've already installed a skimmer on the ATM slot itself. Days later, your account shows unauthorized withdrawals in eastern Europe.
Red Flags
- A stranger approaches you at an ATM offering unsolicited help or advice
- The card slot feels loose, bulky, or looks different from standard ATMs
- Someone stands unusually close while you're entering your PIN
- The keypad feels raised or spongy
How to Avoid
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours where tampering is less likely
- Cover the keypad completely with your hand when entering your PIN
- Check the card slot by wiggling it gently - skimmers are often loosely attached
- Never accept help from strangers at ATMs
You spot a small crowd gathered around a man with three boxes or cards on a folding table near the casino promenade.
He's shuffling them rapidly, inviting people to guess which one hides the ball. Someone in the crowd bets €20 and wins easily. But those 'winners' are accomplices working with the operator. The moment you put money down, sleight of hand ensures you lose. Meanwhile, pickpockets work the crowd.
Red Flags
- A crowd gathered around a portable gambling setup on the street
- Multiple 'strangers' winning money and encouraging others to play
- The operator shuffles quickly but 'accidental' reveals make the answer seem obvious
- The setup can be packed up in seconds
How to Avoid
- Never gamble with street operators - the games are rigged without exception
- Walk past quickly without stopping to watch; observation makes you a target
- Remember that every 'winner' you see is a plant working with the scammer
- Keep hands on your valuables if you even pause near a street game
You're enjoying an evening when two attractive locals strike up a friendly conversation and suggest ...
You're enjoying an evening when two attractive locals strike up a friendly conversation and suggest drinks at a place they know nearby. After a couple of drinks, the bill arrives: €150-200 or more for what seemed like a few cocktails. The drinks were massively inflated 'tourist prices,' and your 'friends' chip in only a token amount before disappearing. Large bouncers may escort you to an ATM if you protest.
Red Flags
- Attractive strangers approach and steer conversation toward going to a specific bar
- The bar is off the main tourist streets and has no visible menu or price list
- Your new friends order rounds aggressively without discussing prices
- Staff seem to know your companions by name
How to Avoid
- Choose your own venues - never let strangers guide you to a bar they recommend
- Always check prices before ordering; no posted prices is a massive red flag
- Suggest well-known, established bars if new acquaintances want drinks
- If confronted with an outrageous bill, insist on calling police before paying
Les Halles is a beloved Biarritz institution where locals and tourists jostle to buy fresh seafood ...
Les Halles is a beloved Biarritz institution where locals and tourists jostle to buy fresh seafood and regional specialties. The crowded aisles, sensory overload, and tourists fumbling with euros make it a prime hunting ground for skilled pickpockets. While you're admiring the piment d'Espelette display or counting change, a bump passes unnoticed - and your wallet goes with it.
Red Flags
- Someone bumps into you unnecessarily in a space where there's room to pass
- A person creates a minor commotion or distraction near you
- You feel a slight tug on your bag or jacket
- Someone stands very close while you're making a purchase
How to Avoid
- Wear a crossbody bag with the opening against your body, hand resting on top
- Keep wallet in a front pocket, never in a backpack or rear pocket
- Bring only the cash you need for market purchases; leave cards at the hotel
- Be extra vigilant during peak Saturday morning hours
You've just landed at Biarritz Airport after a long journey, and as you exit arrivals, a friendly ...
You've just landed at Biarritz Airport after a long journey, and as you exit arrivals, a friendly man approaches offering a taxi into town. He quotes €40 - but this isn't an official taxi. Once in the car, the price might increase, or you're taken on a scenic route. Official airport taxis should cost around €25 to central Biarritz. Unlicensed operators charge double or triple the standard fare.
Red Flags
- Someone approaches you inside the terminal or baggage claim offering taxi services
- The vehicle isn't parked at the official taxi rank outside
- No visible taxi license, meter, or official identification displayed
- They insist on cash only and refuse to use a meter
How to Avoid
- Use only official taxis from the designated taxi rank at the airport or station
- Look for official taxi signage, license numbers on windshield, and running meters
- Know the expected fare in advance: airport to city center is approximately €25
- Use ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing
You're strolling along the promenade when a young woman approaches with a clipboard, gesturing that she's deaf-mute.
She wants you to sign a petition for disabled children or another worthy cause. Once signed, she flips to a donation page showing €20-50 amounts. Meanwhile, your attention is on the clipboard, making you an easy mark for an accomplice to pickpocket. The charity doesn't exist.
Red Flags
- Someone gestures they are deaf-mute and pushes a clipboard toward you
- The petition is vague or for an emotional cause with no verifiable organization
- After signing, they immediately point to 'suggested donations' with large amounts
- Other people linger nearby watching the interaction
How to Avoid
- Politely decline with 'Non, merci' and keep walking without breaking stride
- Never sign anything on the street; legitimate charities don't solicit signatures on promenades
- Keep your hands occupied with bags or phone so you can't take the clipboard
- Genuine charities have websites, offices, and don't rely on street solicitation
You've driven to one of Biarritz's stunning remote beaches for an afternoon of surfing or sunbathing.
You leave your rental car in the parking lot with your bags hidden in the boot. But thieves stake out these beach parking areas, watching tourists head down to the water. Within minutes, they've smashed a window or popped a lock. Valuables 'hidden' in the boot are found quickly.
Red Flags
- Parking areas are isolated with no attendant or security cameras
- You notice the same vehicle or individuals lingering in the lot without going to the beach
- Broken glass from previous break-ins visible in the parking area
- You're carrying all your valuables because you haven't left them at your accommodation
How to Avoid
- Leave all valuables at your hotel - don't bring anything to the beach you can't carry into the water
- Use paid, supervised parking lots rather than remote free parking when possible
- If you must leave items in the car, put them in the boot BEFORE arriving at the beach
- Don't leave any bags visible in the car, even if they contain nothing valuable
🆘 What to Do If You Get Scammed
📋 File a Police Report
Go to the nearest Police Nationale / SAMU station. Call 17 (Police) or 15 (SAMU medical). Get an official crime report — you'll need this for insurance claims. You can also report online at pre-plainte-en-ligne.interieur.gouv.fr.
💳 Cancel Your Cards
Call your bank immediately. Most have 24/7 numbers on the back of the card (keep a photo saved separately). Block any suspicious transactions before the thieves use your details.
🛂 Lost Passport?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate. The US Embassy in Paris is at 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris. For emergencies: +33 1 43-12-22-22.
📱 Track Your Device
If your phone was stolen, use Find My (iPhone) or Find My Device (Android) from another device. Don't confront thieves yourself — share the location with police instead.
You just read 10 scams in Biarritz. The book has 181 more across 16 French destinations.
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