# Digital and telephone fraud in France

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/digital-and-telephone-fraud-in-france
> Updated: 2026-09-16T15:23:27.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

France is experiencing a significant rise in various forms of digital and telephone-based fraud. Initial reports highlighted a surge in vehicle registration scams involving fake administrative websites and ghost companies, alongside widespread SIM card phishing attacks where victims are directed to fraudulent sites via SMS to hijack phone lines.

As the fraud landscape evolves, attention has shifted toward sophisticated banking scams. These tactics often utilize automated voice servers that impersonate financial institutions to report suspicious transactions, using social engineering to pressure victims into revealing confidential information. In response, the Banque de France and various banks are considering the implementation of a unified short number to allow customers to securely contact anti-fraud departments.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: France considers unified short number to combat rising banking fraud

French authorities are exploring a unified short number to combat rising telephone fraud, which cost victims 516 million euros in 2025 through psychological manipulation and impersonation scams.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-considers-unified-short-number-to-combat-rising-banking-fraud

### 2026-09-14: France faces surge in vehicle registration and SIM card fraud

France is seeing a surge in cybercrime, including vehicle registration fraud and SIM card hijacking scams that target personal data and cause significant financial damage.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-faces-surge-in-vehicle-registration-and-sim-card-fraud

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Cite as: Digital and telephone fraud in France. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/digital-and-telephone-fraud-in-france