Scams, pharmacies, hunting: 5 practical articles from France

1: Scam watch

Customers of energy provider Engie have been warned to be on the lookout for an email scam, claiming they have an unpaid bill.

The email – which has been reported in high numbers by Engie customers in the Rhône area – asks them to call a number to pay an unpaid energy bill, or pay it directly with information provided on the email.

The bank details included are of course fake – as is the number, which is being used to phish banking information out of clients.

Those who have been contacted are being asked to report the scam.

We also covered reports of customers of telecom company Free having their personal information sold by hackers, which could lead to phishing scams in the future.

Read more: Watch out for new energy bill scam in France

2: Fuel prices capped indefinitely at TotalEnergies stations

The €1.99 per litre fuel cap currently in place at TotalEnergies fuel stations in France is set to last into 2024 / until prices stabilise.

Last week the company made an announcement that the cap would be extended until the end of 2023, but updated this to say it would last longer, with no definite end date.

Average prices for petrol and diesel are at their highest since April and February of this year respectively.

Some other supermarkets such as Intermarché and Casino – both of which operate service stations throughout France – have also unveiled deals to sell fuel at cost price on certain days.

Read more: TotalEnergies to continue cap on fuel prices in France into 2024

3: France’s used water rules

This article reviews the rules surrounding used water (or wastewater) in homes across France.

Covering systems connected to the mains water and sewage supplies as well as those with a septic tank installed, the article looks at the rules of each and the responsibilities of homeowners.

It also gives an overview of the SPANC department, in charge of overseeing the millions of septic tanks installed across France, including carrying out checks on these installations across the country.

Read more: Explainer: the rules to know about used water at a home in France

4: Hunting season returns

Hunting season is beginning this month again in France – although departments set their own timeframe and rules for hunting.

The season generally runs between September and February.

Our article covers a list of FAQs about hunting, including its popularity, where hunting is allowed, and what weapons can be used.

It also reviews some of the rules to which hunters must abide before and during a session.

Read more: Hunting season opens in many areas of France: what's good to know

5: Getting vaccines from a French pharmacy

Pharmacists in France can now not only give – but also prescribe – vaccines to most people.

Those who have been given training in administering vaccines can offer any vaccines to those over the age of 11, aside from live accentuated vaccines to immunocompromised people.

It is part of a plan to help free up doctors to allow them more time to treat patients.

France’s autumn vaccination drive starts on October 17 when the flu jab becomes available.

Read more: French pharmacies can prescribe and give vaccines: we explain which