Fake police, electricians, workers: alert over rise in scams in France

The French police have raised the alert of a rise in scams by con-artists purporting to be police, electricians and water workers, after an 85-year-old woman recently lost €500,000 to men dressed as police.

The men tricked their way into the woman’s home in Sarcelles, Val-d’Oise, on December 6 and seized a safe containing between €300,000 and €500,000 as ‘evidence’.

One of their accomplices had previously tricked her out of €5,000, prompting the thieves to assume the disguise of police investigating the case.

The woman contacted the Val-d’Oise police once she realised that it was a scam.

A rise in theft by deception

The Val-d’Oise police say the event is not an isolated incident, but part of a growing trend of vol par ruse, or theft by deception.

The con-artists work in groups, and dressing up as police, gendarmes, water workers and electricians, primarily target older, isolated and vulnerable people.

The police say people should be vigilant and advise them:

• Not to let strangers in (particularly unannounced callers)
• To use a peephole, door chain or videophone
• To check the identity of visitors, requesting an ID card or professional card (including for people in uniform)
• To contact their employer if in doubt

“If people enter your home, do not leave them unattended, and do not leave any jewellery, money or valuables visible,” said the Val-d’Oise police. “If you are in any doubt, do not hesitate to call 17 [the police]”.

Read also: Can I call the emergency services in France with a UK mobile phone?

When can French police enter your home?

Police can only enter your home in certain circumstances:

• If a judge has authorised them to search for evidence in the context of a judicial inquiry. If this is a preliminary inquiry, the home’s occupant will receive prior written notice of this
• If they suspect a sufficiently serious criminal offence is currently taking place
• If the occupant has provided written authorisation to do so

Searches only take place between 06:00 and 21:00 unless the case relates to prostitution, terrorism or organised crime.

All police are obligated to provide their serial number on request.

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