top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

New telephone scam costing people in France hundreds of euros

The scammers target landline phones, pretending to be service providers, and trick victims into calling a premium-rate number to test the line

Person making call from landline. New telephone scam costing people in France hundreds of euros

Victims may be eligible for reimbursement from their telephone operators Pic: Gajus / Shutterstock

A new telephone scam in France targeting landline phones is on the rise.

Upon answering the phone, victims of the scam are told the call is from their telephone operator.

The ‘operator’ then runs through tests to verify the line is working, saying they are necessary in order to make sure the line does not get cut whilst repair works are being done.

For many people a cut line would mean no phone and no internet connection – enough of an incentive to go through with the tests. 

The ‘operator’ then asks recipients to call back on a number that they are told is free, but is actually a high-cost overseas call.

Hundreds of people only discovered they were victims of the scam months later, when they received a phone bill showing the call to an African country cost them hundreds of euros.

The scam has also been run in the form of an answerphone message from the so-called operator asking recipients to call back on a supposedly free number.

Victims should contact their phone line operators to see if they can claim a total or partial reimbursement for the scam call.

You can also block calls to premium rate and overseas numbers from your landline.

All service providers must legally provide information on how to do this, although the process of blocking is slightly different from provider to provider.

You may be able to change your preferences via your account online under the title blockage des appels surtaxés

Alternatively contact your telephone service provider directly to find out how to block calls.

Related stories

Network of fake euro banknote traffickers discovered by French police

Beware: French tax reimbursement email is a phishing scam

Scam alert in France as malware texts target parcel deliveries

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France