Paris is a city of beggars and scammers. That said, there is no reason for that to interfere with one's enjoyment of the city. In fact, they can often contribute to one's enjoyment of the city. On the Metro, musicians and other entertainers often go from carriage to carriage doing their thing and then passing the cup. Some are very good. Some are mediocre. Some are awful. But all are doing something to earn a living. This is unlike those that one finds lying in absolute squalor at various points holding out a cup. But there is no hard and fast rule. For example there is an elderly woman, quite neat and clean who stands begging and expresses what appears to be real gratitude when someone gives her something.
Then there are the scams. In discussion with friends some time ago we agreed that anyone who travels is likely to get done sometime or another! The message is that there are all kinds of people out there trying to get your euro from you. We have talked about the "deaf" scam with pretty young girls getting you to sign a petition and then telling you that you need to give them ten euros. Another trick we ran across a few years ago and which is still in use is the supposed finding of a wedding ring and when it is handed to you (as if you dropped it) you are then expected to provide a reward. The ring is brass and you are out a couple of euro.
With the latter, a quick response of "oh my, aren't you lucky" and keep walking usually gets a quick laugh from the scammer and a knowing smile.
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