France expands pension agency’s access to banking data amid new consumer‑debit rules

The Caisse d'Assurance Retraite et de la Santé au Travail (Carsat) has been granted legal authority to query the state‑run FIcoba database, managed by the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques, to verify the banking details of pension beneficiaries. The access is limited to the name of the bank, branch address, account holder identity and product type, and does not include balances or transaction history. The move is intended to ensure that pension payments are sent to valid accounts and to allow Carsat to suspend disbursements if inconsistencies are detected.

In parallel, French consumer‑protection guidance outlines the steps for filing a complaint about abusive direct‑debit withdrawals. It advises victims to document the debit, contact the bank immediately, inform the creditor, retain all correspondence, and, if necessary, submit a pre‑complaint online through official channels. Relevant legal provisions (Articles L. 133‑18, L. 133‑24 and L. 133‑25 III) set out refund timelines of up to 13 months for unauthorized debits, with free recourse options through the DGCCRF and consumer organisations such as Que Choisir.

Together, these developments strengthen the state’s oversight of pension payments while providing clearer recourse for consumers facing illicit bank withdrawals.