The top 5 biggest scams in 2023 (and how to avoid them)

The Facebook scam

A phishing attack targeting Facebook users is currently underway at the most recent date. If you receive an email with the word "storage" in the subject line, don't click on it, as it's a scam. According to the aforementioned e-mail, you have been accused of copyright infringement in connection with one of your Facebook posts, which is why you have been contacted. In addition, the notification will inform you that in the absence of action on your part, your Facebook account will be deleted within 48 hours. You'll be encouraged to click on the link, which will take you to a fake Facebook profile. Upon entering the platform, you'll find a post directing you to a website called Meta. Here, we'll ask you for some information.

To log in to your account, we'll ask for your username and password. Your thief will now be able to collect your login details and connect to your account. He'll have no trouble using your identity in the future.

The electricity bill scam

You seem to have received a message from your energy supplier inviting you to consult your electricity bill. This was an attempted scam. Scammers are aware of current events and concerns ... This winter, fake email scams from energy suppliers are on the increase. As a result, dishonest people are posing as representatives or other public bodies and offering you exclusive discounts, gifts or price increases. You are invited to click on a link to visit a fake website that looks very similar to those of the energy supplier (same logo, almost identical URL, similar graphics). Your personal information and bank details are then redirected... and given to hackers! Be careful, and remember that neither government agencies nor large corporations will ever send you an e-mail or SMS to obtain your banking information.

The supermarket exit scam

A scammer is warned at the supermarket exit. Scammers have a very precise approach to acting. First, they pretend to be an employee of the company or store where you are going to shop. They indicate a payment error in your favor. The robber then hands you a payment terminal and asks for your bank account number so that you can be reimbursed for the money. Then he invents a machine error as an excuse and tells you to wait while he investigates the source of the problem. And then disappears with your bank card!

The overdue fine scam

"Information ANTAI: your file number is 20023099 and you are 35 euros overdue. Please consult my offense file at https://dossier-antai-gouv-info", reads a notification that many petitioners have received. You already know that a scam is what's being perpetrated. The criminals don't hesitate to pose as the state and set up a fraudulent website to achieve their ends. You are asked to enter your file number, sent by SMS, and your vaccination certificate once you have arrived on this site, which is remarkably similar to the French government site (same graphic charter, same logo...). The website then informs you of the nature of the offense, which is a fine for "Non respect des règles de stationnement" of 35 EUR by credit card!

Before directing you to an online payment portal, it tells you that you have "three days to pay before the major". You will then be asked to provide your bank details and will also immediately receive an amended proof of payment.

Under no circumstances is it necessary to click on links in communications or to send personal information. If you receive such a message, you can forward it to the SMS and voicemail spam reporting platform. And if you've already fallen victim to the trap, quickly contact your bank to raise objections against your credit card.

The Crit'Air sticker scam in France

Since September, many motorists have been reporting a new scam involving the Crit'Air sticker. This "air quality certificate" is mandatory for entry into low mobility emission zones (ZFE-m) and air protection zones (ZPA) in cities frequently subject to air pollution (such as Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Aix Marseille Provence, Lille, etc.). Many people have received SMS invitations to log on and buy a Crit'Air sticker.

And the website that directs them there looks like the official government website for buying the vignette. Defend yourself! What could you lose sleep over if you don't pay attention to the website address? The cost. Some sites don't hesitate to overcharge for the sale of this priceless item. According to the French government's official website, "the price of a Crit'Air ticket is $3.67 including postage for delivery in France".