Roma! (Gypsies) Are common in most European major cities. They infest the subways and major attractions. The scams vary from simple begging, to begging with a baby, to playing music on the metros, to “the ring scam”, to “the petition scam”, to the deaf/mute petition scam.
Here a group of them work near Notre Dame. Odd that they all resemble each other. Two gals work the tourist couple, a third leans against the fence—waiting, a fourth sits and waits too. They try and get you to sign a petition. They will then either ask/demand a donation, or, while you are distracted with the petition the accomplish picks your pocket.
Best practice is to not make eye contact, not engage in any way, use the back of your hand and wave it in the air as if you were shooing away a fly. Never confront them as they are NOT working alone.
