France heatwave drives surge in air‑conditioner scams

A prolonged heatwave across France, with temperatures exceeding 40 °C in many departments and night‑time indoor readings near 35 °C, has created a sharp demand for portable air‑conditioners and fans. The shortage of stock on both physical stores and major online platforms has been exploited by fraudsters. Since the start of the season, more than 700 complaints about air‑conditioner purchases have been logged on the consumer‑watch platform SignalConso. Victims report false price reductions, non‑delivery, lost or incomplete parcels, and sellers that cannot be identified, many of which operate from foreign websites.

In response, the French competition, consumer and fraud‑prevention authority (DGCCRF) has launched targeted inspections, citing the “context of extreme heat”. The scams typically involve callers presenting exclusive, time‑limited promotions, promising express delivery at prices far below market rates, and then collecting payment without ever sending the product. The heatwave, described as historic in regions such as Picardy where temperatures have reached 35 °C and rainfall has been minimal, continues to fuel both legitimate demand and fraudulent activity.