France Anti-Scam Complete Guide: From Identifying Scams to Filing Police Reports (2026)

France is one of Europe's worst-hit countries for online fraud. According to the French Ministry of the Interior (Ministère de l'Intérieur) and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), online scam reports in France surged by over 35% in 2025, with average losses of approximately €4,500 per victim. Millions of French residents receive scam texts, phishing emails, or fall prey to investment fraud each year, yet the actual reporting rate remains below 15%.

This handbook walks you through every step — identifying scams, gathering evidence, filing police reports, getting sites taken down, recovering funds, and accessing psychological support. Whether you are a French resident or an expatriate living in France, this guide will help you take swift and effective action when faced with fraud.

I. The State of Online Fraud in France (2026)

1.1 Overall Trends

According to the Ministry of the Interior and the Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr platform, online crime in France exhibits the following trends:

Losses keep climbing: Online fraud cost France over €1.5 billion in 2025, with investment scams leading the tally
AI is being widely abused: Deepfake voice technology powers fake bank advisor scams, and generative AI produces highly convincing phishing emails
Social media is the primary lure: Over 40% of scams originate from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp
Young people are increasingly targeted: The 18–35 age group is significantly more exposed to e-commerce fraud and cryptocurrency scams

1.2 The Most Common Scam Types in France

Fake Bank Advisor Scam (Arnaque au faux conseiller bancaire)

This is France's fastest-growing fraud. Scammers impersonate your bank advisor using caller ID spoofing so your phone displays the bank's real number. They claim suspicious transactions have been detected on your account and ask you to "verify" — in reality, they trick you into approving transfers they initiated. According to the French Banking Federation (FBF), this scam caused over €340 million in losses in 2025, with individual cases exceeding €100,000.

Phishing (Hameçonnage)

Messages impersonating Ameli (health insurance), Impôts (tax authority), La Poste, EDF (electricity), CAF (family benefits), or major banks claim you have an uncollected refund, a parcel awaiting customs fees, an expiring social security card, etc. The goal: lure you into entering personal data and bank card details on a fake website. Cybermalveillance reports that phishing has been France's top cyber threat for three consecutive years.

CPF Training Account Scam (Arnaque au CPF)

France's Personal Training Account (Compte Personnel de Formation) holds up to €5,000 in training credits per worker. Scammers call or text claiming "your CPF credits are about to expire," then redirect victims to a fake Mon Compte Formation website to steal login credentials and divert the funds to sham training providers. Despite tighter regulations introduced in 2023, this scam continues to evolve.

Investment Scam (Arnaque à l'investissement)

Fake cryptocurrency trading platforms, companies falsely claiming AMF registration, so-called "insider tip" high-return investments — scammers recruit through social media ads, often using hijacked images of French celebrities (business leaders or sports stars). Victims "invest" on a fake platform, see fictitious returns, pour in more money, then find they cannot withdraw. The AMF blacklist now exceeds 5,000 fraudulent websites.

Online Shopping Scam (Arnaque à l'achat en ligne)

Counterfeit sites mimicking well-known brands (Decathlon, FNAC, Nike) or seemingly legitimate storefronts offering absurdly low prices. After payment, nothing ships — or a knockoff arrives. These scams spike during the Soldes (seasonal sales), Black Friday, and the holiday season. Red flags: bank-transfer-only payments, missing Mentions légales (mandatory legal notices), and no French return address.

Romance Scam (Arnaque sentimentale)

Via Tinder, Meetic, Bumble, or Facebook, the scammer builds an emotional bond over weeks or months, then requests money under various pretexts (hospitalization, stranded abroad, investment opportunity, cash-flow problem). Annual romance scam losses in France are estimated at over €200 million, with victims predominantly single adults aged 40–65.

II. Using ScamLens to Check for Scams

When you receive a suspicious link, an investment pitch, or have doubts about a website, use ScamLens (scamlens.org) for a rapid check.

2.1 Access ScamLens in French

Go directly to scamlens.org/fr/ for the full French interface. ScamLens supports 12 languages, including French and Chinese.

2.2 Analyze a Website's Safety

Open scamlens.org/fr/check-website
Enter the suspect domain (e.g., faux-investissement.fr)
Within seconds, ScamLens returns a Trust Score (0–100), based on:
- Cross-referencing 90+ threat intelligence sources (Google Safe Browsing, PhishTank, APWG, etc.)
- Domain registration data analysis (registration date, registrar, country)
- SSL certificate validity check
- AI risk summary: a plain-language explanation of the site's specific risks
- Community reports: flags and votes from other users

2.3 Check a Cryptocurrency Address

If crypto is involved, enter the wallet address at scamlens.org/fr/check-crypto. ScamLens queries 6 crypto intelligence databases to detect links to scams, money laundering, or sanctions lists.

2.4 AI Anti-Scam Chatbot

Not sure if you've been scammed? On any results page, click the AI Chat button and describe your situation in French or Chinese. The AI assistant will analyze your case and recommend next steps.

III. Searching and Reporting on ScamLens

3.1 Search Known Scams

In the ScamLens search bar, enter:

A domain name (e.g., arnaque-trading.fr) — see if it's already flagged
A company name (e.g., XY Capital SAS) — run a deep company investigation
A cryptocurrency address — check whether it's linked to known scams

If the domain has already been reported, you'll see full community ratings, risk details, and report history.

3.2 Report a Scam Website

On the results page, click the Report button
Select the scam type (investment fraud, fake store, phishing, etc.)
Describe what happened (in French or Chinese)
Your report joins the ScamLens community database, helping protect other users

3.3 Community Participation

Vote: Upvote or downvote existing reports to improve data accuracy
Comment: Share your experience and evidence to help future victims
Reputation level: Active participation raises your community standing (5 levels / 10 badges)

IV. Evidence Collection Checklist

In France, the quality of your evidence directly affects whether an investigation is opened and the likelihood of recovering funds. Act immediately:

4.1 Communications

WhatsApp / Signal conversations: Export the full chat (Settings > Chats > Export Chat > Include Media)
SMS screenshots: Include the sender's number and full timestamp
Emails: Save the original message (with headers) — in Gmail, select "Show Original"
Call logs: Record date, time, duration, and the other party's number
Social media conversations: Screenshot Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Instagram DMs, etc.

4.2 Financial Records

Bank transfer records (Virement / Prélèvement): Export PDF from your online banking or take screenshots — must include full IBAN, BIC, amount, date, and beneficiary name
Bank statement (Relevé de compte): Mark suspicious transactions
PayPal / other payment receipts: Export transaction details
Crypto transactions: Transaction hash (TxHash), wallet addresses, exchange withdrawal records
CPF account history: Log in to moncompteformation.gouv.fr and take screenshots

4.3 Website and Identity Information

Screenshots of the scam website: Use ScamLens' Web Snapshot feature, or capture the full page in your browser
Full URL: Including all path parameters
Mentions légales screenshot (if present): French law requires commercial websites to display legal notices
Scammer's identity details: Name, phone, email, company, bank account, SIRET number
Social media profile screenshots: The scammer's profile page, avatar, and posts
Ad screenshots: If you reached the scam through a social media ad, save the ad content and advertiser account info

4.4 Timeline

Organize all events chronologically:

Date and method of first contact
Key content of each communication
Date, amount, and method of each transfer
When and how you realized it was a scam

Important: Back up all evidence to the cloud (e.g., Google Drive) to prevent data loss. A clear timeline is critical for French judicial authorities.

V. Reporting and Complaint Channels (France)

France has a comprehensive anti-fraud reporting system, with dedicated agencies for different types of scams.

5.1 Emergency Call — 17 / 112

17: Police Secours (free, 24/7)
112: European emergency number, callable from any mobile phone
When to call: An ongoing scam, personal safety threats, a large transfer just made that needs emergency freezing
Steps: Call 17 → Explain you are the victim of an escroquerie (fraud) → Go to the nearest Commissariat de police or Gendarmerie to file a formal complaint (dépôt de plainte)

5.2 PHAROS — Online Crime Reporting Platform

Full name: Plateforme d'Harmonisation, d'Analyse, de Recoupement et d'Orientation des Signalements
Website: internet-signalement.gouv.fr
When to use: Scam websites, phishing, illegal online content
Steps:
1. Visit the PHAROS platform
2. Click "Signaler un contenu illicite de l'Internet"
3. Select the category: "Escroquerie" (Fraud)
4. Enter the scam website URL, provide a detailed description, upload evidence screenshots
5. The report is handled by the Ministry of the Interior's cybercrime division
Note: PHAROS is an intelligence platform — it does not replace a formal police complaint (plainte)

5.3 Thésée — Online Fraud Complaint Platform

Full name: Traitement Harmonisé des Enquêtes et Signalements pour les E-escroqueries
Website: service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N31138
When to use: E-commerce fraud, counterfeit websites, fake ads, online extortion, romance scams
Steps:
1. Log in via FranceConnect (using Ameli, Impôts, or La Poste credentials)
2. Select the scam type
3. Describe the case in detail and upload supporting documents
4. You will receive a case number (numéro de procès-verbal)
5. This complaint has the same legal force as filing in person at a police station
Advantage: Fully online, available 24/7, no need to visit a station in person

5.4 DGCCRF / SignalConso — Consumer Protection

DGCCRF: Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes
Website: signal.conso.gouv.fr
Phone: 0809 540 550 (non-premium rate)
When to use: Fake online stores, misleading advertising, consumer fraud, breach of contract, forced subscriptions
Steps:
1. Visit SignalConso
2. Select the category (e.g., "Achat sur internet" — online purchase issue)
3. Describe the problem and upload evidence
4. DGCCRF contacts the business to demand a response; if necessary, an investigation is launched
5. Serious cases may result in administrative penalties or criminal prosecution

5.5 AMF — Financial Markets Authority

Website: amf-france.org
Blacklist: amf-france.org/fr/espace-epargnants/proteger-son-epargne/listes-noires
Reporting: AMF Épargne Info Service
Phone: 01 53 45 62 00
When to use: Investment fraud, fake trading platforms, forex scams, crypto scams, unauthorized financial services
Steps:
1. First check whether the platform appears on the AMF blacklist
2. Submit a report through the AMF website
3. Provide the platform name, URL, amount invested, and proof of transfers
4. The AMF can issue a public warning and assist judicial investigations

Check before investing: Use REGAFI to verify whether a firm holds a valid license.

5.6 Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr — National Cybersecurity Assistance

Website: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr
When to use: Any cybersecurity incident (phishing, ransomware, account takeover, identity theft, etc.)
Steps:
1. Visit the site and click "Être assisté" (Get Help)
2. Use the diagnostic tool to describe your issue
3. The platform recommends specific response steps and local service providers
4. Extensive anti-scam guides and educational resources available
Advantage: Beyond reporting, it provides practical remediation guidance

5.7 Signal Spam — Spam Email Reporting

Website: signal-spam.fr
When to use: Spam, phishing emails, fraudulent emails
Steps:
1. Create an account on Signal Spam
2. Install the browser extension or use the web version
3. Forward suspicious emails with one click
4. The platform works with CNIL (France's data protection authority) to take action against violators

5.8 Bloctel — Telemarketing Opt-Out

Website: bloctel.gouv.fr
When to use: Unwanted telemarketing, phone scams, unsolicited sales calls
Steps:
1. Register your phone number on Bloctel
2. Legitimate businesses must stop calling within 30 days
3. If calls continue, file a complaint on the platform
4. Violators face fines of up to €75,000 (individuals) or €375,000 (businesses)

5.9 INFO ESCROQUERIES — Anti-Fraud Hotline

Phone: 0 805 805 817 (free, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM)
Operated by: Ministry of the Interior
When to call: Any question about a potential scam
Services:
- Help you determine whether it's actually a scam
- Direct you to the right reporting channel
- Provide legal advice and an action plan
- Does not accept complaints directly, but tells you exactly who to contact

VI. Getting Scam Websites Taken Down

Beyond filing a complaint, you can proactively push for the shutdown of a fraudulent site. Here is the complete escalation chain:

6.1 WHOIS Lookup

Check the domain registration details in the ScamLens results
Or use whois.domaintools.com
Record: the Registrar, registration date, and contact details

6.2 Complain to the Domain Registrar (Registrar Abuse)

Find the Abuse Contact in the WHOIS record
Send a complaint email (in English or French) to the registrar's abuse@ address
Attach evidence (screenshots, transaction records, ScamLens report link)
Request domain suspension

6.3 AFNIC — Complaint for .fr Domains

If the scam site uses a .fr domain:

AFNIC (Association Française pour le Nommage Internet en Coopération) is the official registry for .fr domains
Website: afnic.fr
Procedure:
1. File a complaint through AFNIC's SYRELI dispute resolution process
2. Cost: approximately €250 (borne by the losing party)
3. AFNIC can rule within 2 months, suspending or transferring the domain
Alternative: If the registrant's details are fake, request an eligibility verification (Vérification de l'éligibilité) directly — domains with fraudulent information are deleted outright

6.4 Report to Google

Safe Browsing report: safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/
Google Search removal: Request removal if the scam site appears in search results
Once flagged, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari will display a red warning page to visitors

6.5 Complain to Payment Providers

PayPal: Open a dispute in the Centre de résolution (Resolution Center)
Stripe / other gateways: Report to the abuse@ team
Crypto exchanges: Report suspicious addresses to the compliance teams at Binance, Coinbase, etc.
Payment providers can freeze the fraudster's account and block further transactions

6.6 Complain to the SSL Certificate Authority

Check the SSL certificate issuer in the browser address bar (e.g., Let's Encrypt, DigiCert)
Report that the certificate is being used for fraud
Once revoked, the browser will display a security warning

VII. Recovering Your Money

7.1 SEPA Bank Transfer Recall

French interbank transfers use the SEPA system, and the recall window is very short:

Critical window: Contact your bank within hours of the transfer
Contacts: Call customer service (BNP Paribas: 3477, Société Générale: 3933, Crédit Agricole: 3241, La Banque Postale: 3639) or go directly to a branch
Request: Report a fraudulent transfer (virement frauduleux) and request a rappel du virement (transfer recall)
Success rate: High if the receiving bank has not yet released the funds; drops sharply after one business day
Legal basis: Article L133-18 of the Monetary and Financial Code requires banks to refund unauthorized payment transactions within 24 hours

7.2 Card Block and Chargeback

Immediate block (Opposition):

Phone: Call your bank's card opposition hotline, or the universal number 0 892 705 705 (24/7)
Action: Report the fraudulent use of your card; the bank will freeze it immediately

Credit card chargeback:

Time limit: Up to 13 months after the transaction (under French law — far longer than in most countries)
Procedure: Contact your issuing bank → Submit a contestation d'opération → Reason: Fraude (Fraud) or Service non fourni (Service Not Provided)
Required documents: Bank statement, communications with the merchant, scam evidence
Visa / Mastercard / CB: All have dispute resolution processes; banks typically resolve within 30–60 days

7.3 SEPA Direct Debit Reversal

If the scammer debited your account via SEPA Prélèvement (direct debit):

Time limit: 8 weeks from the debit date — unconditional reversal
Unauthorized debit: Challengeable for 13 months
Procedure: Online banking > Find the debit > "Contester" (Dispute) > Select the reason
This is one of the strongest consumer protections in France — the bank must comply unconditionally

7.4 Cryptocurrency Tracing

Crypto transfers are irreversible, but tracing tools exist:

ScamLens Crypto Trace: Enter the wallet address at scamlens.org/fr/check-crypto to track fund flows
Blockchain analysis: If funds entered a known exchange (Binance, Kraken), law enforcement can demand an account freeze
Include blockchain evidence in your complaint: TxHash, wallet addresses, ScamLens trace report
Professional services: For losses exceeding €10,000, consider engaging a blockchain forensics firm (Chainalysis-certified French provider)

7.5 Banking Mediator (Médiateur bancaire)

If your bank refuses to cooperate:

Every French bank must appoint an independent Médiateur (mediator)
How to apply: Look for the "Médiation" page on your bank's website, or write to your bank requesting the mediator's contact details
Process: Submit a written complaint → The mediator issues a recommendation within 90 days → Banks generally comply
Cost: Completely free
Escalation: If mediation fails, file a complaint with the ACPR (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution)

VIII. Recovery Scam Warning

This is the cruelest form of double victimization.

After being scammed, your details may be sold to "recovery scam" rings. You'll be contacted by people claiming they can get your money back:

8.1 Typical Methods

Fake law firms: Posing as cybercrime-specialist "Cabinets d'avocats" and guaranteeing 100% recovery
Impersonating law enforcement: Claiming to be from Europol, Interpol, or a "special division" of French police
Impersonating the AMF or Banque de France: Saying your case is being processed and you need to pay "unfreezing fees"
The first scammer's "colleague": Claiming the perpetrator has been arrested and you only need to pay "processing fees" to get your money back
Fake victim support groups on social media: Actually run by scammers to extract money from you a second time

8.2 Warning Signs

Demands for "processing fees," "unfreezing fees," "lawyer fees," or "deposits"
Guarantees of 100% recovery (no legitimate professional makes this promise)
Pressure to act immediately
Contact via WhatsApp, Telegram, or other private channels
Inability to provide real bar registration credentials

8.3 How to Verify

Search the Conseil National des Barreaux (National Bar Council) directory: cnb.avocat.fr
Or look up the name on annuaire-des-avocats.fr
A real lawyer will never cold-contact you through social media
Law enforcement never asks for payment to return stolen funds
The AMF and Banque de France will never call you to demand payment

IX. Prevention Tips + ScamLens

9.1 Daily Safety Habits

Verify before you trust: Before any transfer, check the website or address on ScamLens
Confirm the caller's identity: Your bank calls asking you to perform an action? Hang up, then call the official number yourself
Never click unknown links: Ameli, Impôts, La Poste — go directly to the official website or app, never through an SMS or email link
Check for Mentions légales: French law requires all commercial websites to display legal notices and a SIRET number — their absence is a major red flag
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): On all bank accounts and sensitive accounts
Be wary of high returns: Any promise of annual returns above 8% warrants deep suspicion — check the AMF blacklist first
Protect your CPF: Access your training account only through moncompteformation.gouv.fr; ignore all CPF links in calls or texts
Review bank statements regularly: Watch for unknown Prélèvements (direct debits)

9.2 Install the ScamLens Browser Extension

Install the OrangeDuck Chrome extension (ScamLens' browser module)
The extension automatically alerts you when you visit a suspicious site
Real-time detection of phishing sites, fake stores, and fraudulent investment platforms
Available on the Chrome Web Store: search for "OrangeDuck"

9.3 Use French Official Tools

AMF Blacklist: amf-france.org/listes-noires — check before any investment
Fake Store Detector: Use ScamLens' website check feature
REGAFI: regafi.fr — verify financial institution licensing
Cybermalveillance: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr — up-to-date scam alerts and prevention guides

X. Psychological Support

Being scammed is not just a financial loss — it is a profound psychological trauma. Many victims feel shame, anger, and self-blame, and some develop depression or anxiety. Remember: It is not your fault — the scammer is to blame.

10.1 SOS Amitié — Emotional Support Hotline

Phone: 09 72 39 40 50 (national number, 24/7)
Cost: Local call rate (non-premium)
Online chat: chat.sos-amitie.com
Service: Anonymous, confidential listening support to help you cope with the emotional distress of being scammed
Volunteers are trained and can assist in French and English

10.2 France Victimes — Crime Victim Assistance

Phone: 116 006 (free, 7 days/week, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Website: france-victimes.fr
Services:
- Free legal advice and assistance
- Help with filing complaints and navigating the judicial process
- Psychological counseling and trauma support
- Assistance applying for victim compensation (Commission d'Indemnisation des Victimes d'Infractions, CIVI)
- 130 local offices across France for in-person consultations
For scam victims: France Victimes staff are experienced with cybercrime cases and can help you prepare your complaint and identify recovery avenues

10.3 Other Resources

Fil Santé Jeunes (Youth Health Hotline): 0 800 235 236 (free) — if the victim is a minor
SOS Viol Femmes Informations: 0 800 05 95 95 — in cases of sextortion or sexual violence linked to a romance scam
UNAF (National Union of Family Associations): If the scam has caused a family financial crisis, contact your local UDAF
Surendettement (Over-indebtedness): If losses lead to unmanageable debt, file an over-indebtedness application with the Banque de France

10.4 A Message for You

Scammers are professionally trained psychological manipulators who exploit the most fundamental human emotions: trust, fear, greed, and love. Regardless of your education, age, or profession, anyone can become a victim.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness — it is the first act of courage. In the ScamLens community, countless people have been through the same ordeal. By sharing your story, you help yourself and protect others.

Quick Reference Contact Table

Agency	Contact	Purpose
Police Secours	17	Emergency call
European Emergency	112	European emergency number
PHAROS	internet-signalement.gouv.fr	Cybercrime reporting
Thésée	service-public.fr	Online fraud complaint
DGCCRF / SignalConso	signal.conso.gouv.fr	Consumer protection
AMF	amf-france.org / 01 53 45 62 00	Investment fraud reporting
Cybermalveillance	cybermalveillance.gouv.fr	Cybersecurity assistance
Signal Spam	signal-spam.fr	Spam reporting
Bloctel	bloctel.gouv.fr	Telemarketing opt-out
INFO ESCROQUERIES	0 805 805 817	Anti-fraud hotline
SOS Amitié	09 72 39 40 50	Emotional support
France Victimes	116 006	Crime victim assistance
ScamLens	scamlens.org/fr/	Website & crypto safety check