Scam alert: Watch out for fake text messages from banks in France

Fake text messages from banks are increasingly used by scammers to trick their victims into giving up their personal data or payment details, a French technology group has warned

The text messages typically relate to confirming a payment, and include a phone number to call in case the client wants to stop the payment. 

The messages are very similar to those sent by the banks themselves, but in fact do not relate to any payment. They typically appear to come from legitimate sources as scammers use specialised software to mask the text message’s true origin.

When victims make contact to stop the non-existing payment scammers try to convince them to give their details.

The following particularly widespread example was reported by technology website Clubic on March 4:

“Pour confirmer votre paiement internet de 1,456 €, saisissez le code 220817. Si vous n’êtes pas à l’origine de cette transaction, contactez immédiatement le 09 77 19 75 01.”

‘To confirm your internet payment of €1,456, enter the code 220817. If you are not the origin of this transaction, contact 09 77 19 75 01 immediately.’

Read more: Scammers using UK phone numbers to target people in France

The telephone number provided in the message is a call centre run by the scammers themselves, which they use to try and convince their victims to give their bank details

Another variant of this scam includes a link rather than a phone number. The link, which may appear legitimate, will direct victims to a page set up by the scammers.

Note that scammers attempt this technique with a variety of banks. It is unlikely that they have any real information (names, bank details or otherwise) about their victims.

Read more: These phone numbers are increasingly used by scammers targeting people in France

How to know if a text message is genuine

If you receive a text message purporting to be from your bank, do not call the number in the message, but rather call your bank directly.

You can find the official number of your bank in its app or on its official website. Alternatively call or visit your bank’s local branch directly, who can forward your call to the appropriate service.

You can also check telephone numbers via an online search or with a service such as www.numeroinconnu.fr which can show if a number has been reported by other call recipients.

What to do if you fall victim

If you called the scammers’ phone number and gave them your bank or payment details, contact your bank to stop any payments.

Read more: When must a bank reimburse a customer scam victim in France?

You should also file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie.

All scams can also be reported to SignalConso (a public service for consumers) or by text message to 33700.