New SMS Phishing Scam Impersonates Banque de France

The Banque de France has alerted citizens to a new SMS phishing scam claiming recipients are registered on a banking blacklist. The fraudulent messages urge victims to click links to provide banking credentials. Legitimate financial institutions never solicit personal or banking information via SMS, particularly from mobile phone numbers.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are sending SMS messages impersonating the Banque de France, claiming recipients are registered on a banking blacklist and urging them to make contact. This plays on recipients' fear and anxiety about serious financial consequences.

The messages contain fraudulent links that direct victims to fake websites designed to steal banking information. When clicked, these links lead to phishing pages where victims are prompted to enter sensitive data such as their IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and confirmation codes.

Warning Signs

Characteristics of legitimate institutions:

Legitimate banks and financial authorities never request personal or banking details via SMS
Official messages from recognized institutions are sent using protected sender identifiers authenticated by telecommunications operators
Messages never originate from standard mobile phone numbers (numbers starting with 06 or 07)

Red flags in fraudulent messages:

SMS from a standard mobile number rather than an official business line
Urgent language designed to pressure quick action
Requests to click links and enter banking or personal information
Use of institutional names to create fear and legitimacy

Prevention Tips

Never click suspicious links: Do not open any links in messages claiming to be from your bank or financial authority
Verify directly: If concerned about your banking status, contact your bank directly using the phone number on the back of your debit card or through the official website
Protect sensitive information: Never share your IBAN, PIN codes, passwords, or personal identification details in response to SMS or email requests
Delete immediately: Remove suspicious SMS messages without clicking embedded links
Monitor accounts: Regularly check your bank account for unauthorized transactions

Where to Report

Report fraudulent SMS and unwanted calls to 33 700, France's official platform for combating SMS fraud and unwanted calls.

If you believe you have been compromised, contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and investigate suspicious activity.