Bank card fraud is a growing phenomenon in Europe, and France records the most worrying figures. With increasing use of credit cards for online and in-store purchases, the risk of hacking increases for consumers. In this context, certain secret codes are more exposed than others to attacks by cybercriminals. Here is an overview of fraud methods, the most vulnerable codes and best practices for securing transactions.
France at the top of bank fraud in Europe
The statistics are worrying: France concentrates 42% of bank card fraud recorded in Europe. In 2024, this represents 211 million euros hijacked by fraudsters. This situation is partly explained by the importance of the bank card in current transactions. According to a report from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Banking Authority (EBA), the use of bank cards has increased significantly: in 2022, 43% of French transactions were carried out by card, compared to only 27% in 2016.
This growth in the use of bank cards, coupled with online payment technologies that can still be improved, creates favorable conditions for scams. In Europe, 7.31 million fraudulent transactions were recorded in the first half of 2024, causing a loss of 633 million euros. In France, fraudsters particularly focus on remote scams, which represent 82 % cases of bank card fraud. Online scams, such as phishing or spoofing, are becoming increasingly common threats to consumers.
Increasingly sophisticated hacking methods
Fraudsters use varied and often subtle techniques to deceive bank card holders. Among the most widespread scams, phishing (or phishing) consists of sending emails or SMS imitating banking institutions in order to push users to provide their confidential information. Once this information is collected, fraudsters can empty a bank account in just a few clicks.
The spoofing is another rapidly growing fraud technique. Here, scammers pose as bank agents by calling victims directly. They use the pretext of an emergency, such as a supposed attempt to hack the account, to obtain confidential information, in particular the secret code of the bank card. Faced with this pressure, victims often provide this information without suspicion. Vigilance is therefore required to guard against these identity theft techniques.
The most risky secret codes
Despite all precautions, scammers can easily hack a bank card if the secret code is too predictable. Certain codes are in fact particularly vulnerable because they are often used. Here are some examples of codes to avoid:
- 1234 : This is one of the most common codes, easy for a hacker to guess.
- 0000 : Although widely used, this code is one of the first tested by cybercriminals.
- 1111 : Simple and intuitive, it is just as risky.
- Dates of birth : Using dates as codes (for example, 1984 or 1972) is tempting, but it increases the risk of hacking.
Hackers often try these basic combinations first, as they frequently appear in user choices. To protect yourself, it is recommended to choose a unique code, unrelated to obvious personal information such as a date of birth or a simple numerical sequence. Original and random code will be much less vulnerable to attacks.
Best practices to avoid piracy
Faced with the rise in bank fraud, a few simple actions can protect your finances. Here are the main recommendations:
- Never share your banking information : Even if the request appears to come from your bank, you should never disclose your bank card information. No advisor will ask you for your secret code or identifiers spontaneously.
- Check site security : When shopping online, favor sites in httpsa sign of a secure connection. The padlock symbols in the address bar are also a good indicator.
- Monitor your bank statements : Regularly monitor your transactions for suspicious activity. Most banks offer alerts by SMS or email in the event of an unusual transaction.
- Enable two-factor authentication : To strengthen the security of your payments, activate double authentication if your bank offers it. This adds a layer of security by requiring additional verification during each transaction.
- Choose a complex secret code : Avoid simple codes or codes linked to personal information. Original and unique code will make hacking more difficult.
Banks facing the challenge of digital security
Faced with the increase in fraud, banking institutions are investing in reinforced security technologies. Double authentication, which is increasingly common, makes it possible to verify the user's identity during each transaction. Some banks are also implementing biometric recognition systems (fingerprint, facial recognition) to secure payments.
Banks also work with cybersecurity agencies to better anticipate threats. However, users remain on the front line and must remain vigilant. Securing banking information is above all an individual responsibility, with simple but effective actions to reduce the risk of hacking.
In summary, bank card fraud is a growing phenomenon, particularly in France. By choosing secure secret codes and adopting good practices, it is possible to protect yourself against a large number of attacks. Vigilance and caution remain the best weapons to protect your finances against cybercriminals.
