New scam over household bins in France: how to avoid being caught out
The scam relates to your council-issued bin
Most oudoor house bins are supplied (and replaced if needed) free of charge by the mairie in France
JJY Photography/Shutterstock
People in France are warned to be alert to a new scam in France in which fraudsters pose as the local mairie in a bid to charge people to replace their outdoor bin.
How does the scam work?
The scammers visit residents and tell them that the regulations have changed, and the existing bins are no longer compliant. They then offer to order you a new ‘compliant’ one, at a charge of around €10.
Some people have reported that the perpetrators take the money and leave without changing the bin, or sometimes work in pairs, with another person entering the home and stealing valuable items while the resident is distracted.
In the worst case, the scammers will take your card details and steal much more than the requested €10.
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How can I avoid the scam?
Be alert, and remember that in most places in France, you do not have to pay for a council-issued bin or a replacement.
Similarly, if there is ever an issue, your mairie will inform you through the proper channels, not with someone coming to your door unannounced.
It is also not true that “regulations have changed” on bins nationally.
You are also strongly advised to ask for a professional card and proof of ID when someone comes to your door unannounced, saying that they are from the local authority (or another authority or company).
Read also: Watch out for cybercrooks who pretend to be French anti-fraud officers
If you are in any doubt, you are advised to call the mairie to find out whether there is a need to change the bins, and to check if the person at your door is genuine.
Equally, should you ever need to change your bin for any reason, you can contact the mairie directly.
