Online Scams & Fraud in France
Though online scams and fraud have continued to increase in France, French authorities have stepped up efforts to fight against this epidemic. France has made it easier for people to report scams and has set up police investigation teams to help in the war against scams.
Scams now account for 14% of all reported scams in France, and 6 in 10 people in France have been exposed to an alternative investment offer. What else is going on in France concerning scams? Join us as we uncover where to report scams in France as well as where to get scam victim support.
Scam Statistics in France
The key statistics on online fraud in France, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance.
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Population | 66.99 Million | 67 Million | 67 Million | 67 Million |
| Internet Penetration | 90% | 88% | 90% | 88% |
| # of Scams | 163,000 | 1,200,000 | 46,173 | 423,000 |
| Scams / 1,000 | 2 | 18 | 0.7 | 6.27 |
| Money Lost | € 750 million | € 162 million | € 1.37 Billion | |
| Money Lost / Capita | € 11.19 | € 2.40 | € 2129 | |
| Money Lost / Report | € 625 | € 3,500 | € 3.25 |
The figures in the table differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Where Can I Report a Scam in France?
Have you fallen for a scam in France and are wondering where you can report it? Below are some of the places where people can report scams in France;
- Local Police (Gendarmerie or Police Nationale): The Police Nationale and Gendarmerie have set up investigative teams that contact a person if the complaint has been validated. Reach out to them to report a fraud case.
- THESEE: This Ministry of the Interior platform allows users to file complaints against financial cyber-maliciousness such as commercial or sentimental fraud, hacking of social media networks, sextortion or more. File an online complaint here.
- PHAROS: PHAROS is the French government platform for reporting illegal content on the internet. This includes online scams.. You can reach them by phone by dialling 17.
- Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes (DGCCRF): The DGCCRF is the French authority responsible for consumer protection. They investigate fraud and unfair commercial practices.
- Data Protection Authority (CNIL): If the scam involves a breach of personal data, you can report it to CNIL.
How to Report a Scam in France
Reporting a Scam is crucial. At the moment only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0,05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.
- Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
- Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
- Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
- Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.
Scam Victim Support in France
France Victimes: This is a victim's refuge and scam victims can get all the help they need here. You can reach them at 116 006 (freephone) and ask for help.
How to check for a scam in France
Of course, you can always check for a scam on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.
- CCI de France- The French Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) which represents over 2000 companies, is a good place to check for business scams.
- The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF)- They regulate the financial markets and come in handy when checking investment scams.
Anti-Scam Organizations & Consumer Authorities in France
- SignalConso-This is a portal offered by the Ministry of Economy and Finance where consumers can report all sorts of complaints.
- Signal Arnaques- As a private initiative, this platform offers people a chance to expose scams.
- The Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command (COMCYBERGEND): They are dedicated to fighting online scams and frauds through prevention, training, and investigations
Popular Scams in France
Carte Vitale
There has been an increase in Carte Vitale scams with many losing money to the cons. It usually starts with people receiving an SMS or email telling them to pay a small fee for the delivery of a new card.
After this, you get a call from someone claiming to be from the bank, claiming your account has been illegally accessed and that you need to move funds to a “safer” account. If you fall for this, you will technically be moving the money to the scammer's account.
Crit’Air Sticker Scams
There are others who call and claim that you don’t have a Crit’Air (vehicle emissions rating) sticker and that you need to purchase or renew one. They send you a link where you can “purchase” the sticker, but this is just a phishing website that will steal your bank information.
The best way to avoid the Crit’Air scammers is by only purchasing the sticker at the official government portal. The website should read www.certificat-air.gouv.fr any other domain should be approached with caution.
Scam News From France
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