What is this golden ring scam?

What is this golden ring scam? I%26#39;ve been reading about it here and there but nobody is really explaining exactly what it is? Please enlighten me so I can be aware before my vacation to Paris! Thanks. :)

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Someone pretends to find a gold ring right in front of you, asks if it is yours, says it is your lucky day and presses it on you, then asks for some money for a sandwich or similar, in some cases asks for cash for the ring. It preys on people%26#39;s greediness and dishonesty, getting a gold ring for a few dollars. Of course it is plated brass even though it may have a hallmark.

You may also be approached by children asking if you speak English. When you say yes they hand you a paper with a hard luck story and ask for cash.

Or you are sitting in a cafe and someone comes by and without a word places a small toy on the table with a note saying they are deaf and please buy to help them. In a minute they come back and collect the toy or the money.

Some people get on the Metro and do the toy thing or play a musical instrument then pass the hat.

It is find just to say non, merci. There is no need to be rude or aggressive, it is just creative begging.

You may be approached by someone who puts a woven string around your wrist and then asks for money for it. There are some reports of this being intimidating, in which case make no eye contact and walk past keeping your hands to your sides.

If you intend to give money to any beggars it is a good idea to have a few loose coins. Don%26#39;t reveal where you keep your main wallet as this may tip off pickpockets.

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If you put %26quot;ring scam%26quot; into the search box, you will get many many pages of information.

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Enclose an extract of my trip report to Paris last November, may be of some use.

On the first occasion we were walking in the grounds of the Louvre when a young pretty girl picked up a ring from the floor and said in perfect English “Is this yours?”. We said no and continued to walk. On the second occasion we were crossing the road by the Place de la Concorde and an older well dressed man dropped the ring on the floor. As before, we said no and ignored him. This also happened on the Point Alexandre III Bridge and the Eiffel Tower. We never felt threatened and as soon as we said no we were immediately left alone. It actually became a joke - can you spot the ring man (or woman)?

Have a good trip!