in Paris, the authorities are warning about these formidable scams

See my news
Follow Paris News

An elaboration that sends shivers down your spine. This Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Paris public prosecutor's office organized a press conference alongside the financial markets authority (AMF) and the Directorate General for Competition and Consumer Affairs and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF). The goal: to warn about financial scams online and by telephone. These scams are becoming more and more numerous and generate gargantuan damages.

Astronomical sums stolen

Financial scams are not new, but are booming in France. In 2024, the estimated damage from these scams is estimated at least 500 million euros. “It is probably undervalued, because there are many victims who do not file complaints, or cases which go under the radar,” indicates Laure Beccuaupublic prosecutor of Paris. In three years, the number of people victims of these scams tripled in Franceaccording to figures from the Financial Markets Authority (AMF).

The typical profile of the victim: a confident young man

Through all these cases, the authorities were able to draw up a profile of the people most vulnerable to financial scams. It is often of a man under 35 years old. “These are young men who often have a taste for risk and already invest in the stock market. They often have the feeling that they know something about investments, and will let themselves be lured by offers that are too attractive,” explains Marie-Anne Barbat-Layanidirector of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF).

Fake credits and fake booklets

This is an old scam that is growing. Victims are called supposedly by their bank or other institution, and a advantageous credit is offered to them, or opening a bank book. “We will give the person confidence, but we will also put them under pressure. We explain to him that the offer is limited in time and that he must move quickly. The victim will open a loan and make a contribution to unlock the loan. The perpetrator of the scam will then disappear with the money,” explains Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani.

The amounts of money stolen by this type of scam are staggering. On average, a victim is relieved of 19 000 euros for false credit, and 69 000 euros for a savings account.

Fake bank advisor scams

These are also very common. A fake advisor will call the victim to tell them that their bank account has been subject to fraud. Here too, the feeling of urgency causes the targeted person to fall into a mechanism of control. The latter will provide banking data. Another variation is to call the victim and explain to them that their bank card has a problem and that they need to change it. The next day, someone came to the home and collected the bank card. Older people can often be victims of this type of scam.

Identity theft using artificial intelligence

During the conference, the authorities insisted on the development of identity theft, increasingly sophisticated in this type of scam. “We have lost count of the number of scams where the photos and names of employees of the Financial Markets Authority are used to give credibility to fraudulent offers,” explains the president of the institution.

These usurpations sometimes go even further. Of pseudo celebrity interviews are posted online, where they indicate that they have enriched themselves via dubious trading methods or investments in cryptocurrencies. “With the development of artificial intelligence, cases of scams via deepfakes, where the voice and face of business leaders are used, have already been observed abroad,” warns Laure Beccuau.

The scourge of influencers

Some are at the heart of vast scams, and groups have been created to denounce them. Influencers are in the sights of the authorities, because they benefit from significant visibility and manage to give victims confidence. “They create this community phenomenon, then they will explain that they live in luxury thanks to illegal investments or investments. Sometimes, there is even a quasi-sectarian relationship», Said Sarah Lacoche, head of the Directorate General for Competition and Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF).

Scams squared

It also happens that the scams are very refined and Machiavellian. This is the case of the scam squared. “This is a double scam. The victim is fooled for the first time. This often involves investing in cryptocurrencies on fraudulent sites where the money is never recovered. The victim will then be contacted by a third party who will declare that they will help them. to recover his stolen investment, in exchange for money. This is in fact a second scam,” explains Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani.

What reflexes to fight?

Faced with this growing number of scams, how can we protect ourselves from them? If on the side of justice and law enforcement, actions are increasing against criminal networks, here are some tips to avoid the worst.

• Do not give in to urgency if we are talking about an investment offer limited in time.
• When speaking with someone, check that they are who they say they are by contacting the organization for which they work.
• Check that the company offering investments is listed on the “white list” of the Financial Markets Authority.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.