Warning after fake French tax website shut down

Authorities in France have urged taxpayers to remain vigilant after shutting down a fake website set up to hack the data of people trying to settle their taxe foncière or taxe d'habitation accounts.

The fake website was so convincing that it prompted Finances Publiques to issue a warning on social media: "A fraudulent tax-free.gouv.app site that perfectly mimics access to the personal space of our site is trying to steal users' personal information to hack into their real account".

Officials were able to get the fake website shut down, but reminded taxpayers of the need to remain vigilant and protect their personal data.

Officials said taxpayers looking to pay their tax bills online should ensure that they are on the correct impots.gouv.fr website by checking the address bar of their internet window before sending any personal information.

Homeowners have until October 15 to pay their taxe foncière bill and until October 20 if paying online.

For taxe d'habitation, the payment deadline is Friday, November 15, or Wednesday, November 20, for online payments.