SIM card scam in France: a costly threat you should not underestimate

A threat that is sometimes overlooked but could prove costly: this is the SIM card scam currently affecting France.

This fraud is causing growing harm across France. According to figures cited by our colleagues at TF1 in 2024, the SIM card scam may now target as many as 65% of people in France. What exactly does it involve, what are the dangers, and how can you prevent the worst from happening? This article explains.

Subscribe to Presse-citron

SIM card scam: it starts with a text message

First, you receive a message, often by text, supposedly from your mobile operator. It claims that a new SIM card is available. If you did not request one, you are asked to follow a link.

As you might expect, the link is fraudulent. It takes you to a fake version of your operator’s website, where you are prompted to enter your login details and password. The fraudster can then obtain this information, impersonate you with the genuine operator, order a replacement SIM card and take effective control of your mobile plan - which you will still be paying for.

What are the risks?

This scam is especially concerning because the texts being sent are increasingly flawless in spelling, making them appear more trustworthy. Fake operator websites are also being recreated with ever greater polish. Caution is essential: as the leading French channel reports, some victims have seen their bills rise by several thousand euros after being targeted by this attack.

How can you protect yourself from the SIM card scam?

With this scam being deployed widely, it is important to adopt the right habits. When a text message arrives, inspect it carefully and never follow a link. The safest option is to go directly to your account and check whether the request is genuine.

If you have already fallen victim, it is important to report the matter to the police. You can also report this fraud via the Cybermalveillance.gouv website. Doing so helps the authorities contain the problem more effectively and prevent other internet users from becoming victims of these scams.

Unfortunately, the SIM card scam is not new. In 2023, we also covered attacks aimed specifically at SFR customers in France. You can still read our article here.