There are many scams at the end of the year. Whether it's bonuses, Mondial Relay or PV, the pitfalls are numerous.
In 2024, email and SMS scams continue to multiplyaffecting a large number of French people. These frauds also take several forms…
Scams that have multiplied in 2024
Often well elaborated, the scams mainly aim to obtain information personalbanking. Or trick victims into making fraudulent payments.
Messages can imitate businesses or legitimate administrations (banks, taxes, Ameli, EDF). They ask to update your information via a link that leads to a fraudulent site.
Obviously, this is a fraud. SMS or emails pretending come from carriers (La Poste, Chronopost) are also false. The message informs of a pending package and asks for payment or personal data, but this is not the case.
Messages concerning energy checks, tax refunds, ou compensations Covid are also false? They redirect to forms to steal your banking information.
SMS messages impersonating your bank reporting suspicious transactions have also storefront. There are also numerous calls or links to secure your account that lead to fraud.
Messages on social networks or dating applications result in requests for money are also said to be numerous. But then, how to recognize a scam?
Warning signs
Lots of mistakes in messages should put you on the trail. Likewise, web addresses or dubious emails are easily recognizable.
They look like the originals, but contain anomalies (e.g. Impos-gouv.fr.org). The pressure to act immediately should also alert you.
Banking information, access codes, gift card payments must also put you on the track. But then, what to do if in doubt?
Do not click on the links or respond. Check directly with the organization concerned via their official website or dedicated number and report the message.
Transfer to signal-spam.fr and install protections (antivirus, spam blocker) and monitor your bank accounts. However, many French people fall into the trap.
As Christmas 2024 approaches, phishing attempts explode on the internet. These scams consist of deceiving Internet users via fraudulent emails or messages imitating legitimate entities (banks, administrations, relatives).
How to recognize and avoid scams in 2024?
Cybercriminals are doubling their ingenuity to make their credible messages. Here is advice from Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr to protect yourself.
First of all, you should never share sensitive information. No serious institution will ask for your passwords or banking details by email or telephone.
Check suspicious links. To do this, slide your cursor over the links without clicking to inspect the address URL and compare it with the official address, as one detail can reveal the fraud.
If possible, secure your accounts with an identification method in two steps. Change your passwords frequently using unique passwords for each account and manage them in a digital vault.
If the option exists, check the connection history to spot any illegitimate access. But then, what to do in the event of an unfortunate click on your part?
Firstly, close immediately the open page. Capture a screenshot of the fraudulent email and report the scam on Signal-Spam.fr.
If your banking data is affected, contact your bank and file an objection. Notify the legitimate organization if the message impersonates them.
The end of year celebrations are a particularly auspicious period to scams. But with these precautions, you can browse online safely.
Hi, I'm Ruben, the new web editor at Tuxboard.com. Freshly graduated from a journalism school in Paris, I am passionate about media news, television shows and sociology. I am enthusiastic about sharing with you my articles and my analysis of the news on Tuxboard.
