Teen Calendar Scam Spreads Across France Under False School Fundraising Pretense

Multiple French municipalities are warning residents about a scam where young impersonators pose as students selling calendars under the guise of fundraising for school trips. Several schools and local governments have publicly denied involvement in these fraudulent sales.

Overview of the Scam

Multiple regions across France have reported an increase in calendar sales scams perpetrated by individuals impersonating students. Following the start of the school term in September, municipalities and schools including Brou (Eure-et-Loir), Saint Joseph Chateaubriant in Loire-Atlantique, and Neulliac in Morbihan have issued public warnings about these fraudulent schemes.

How the Scam Works

The typical pattern of this fraud includes:

Age Misrepresentation: Young individuals, aged 12-15, pose as local middle school students
False Fundraising Claims: They claim to be collecting money for school trips, often citing specific destinations like Italy
Product Offered: 2027 calendars or similar items are used as the purported merchandise
Door-to-Door Approach: The scammers conduct direct home visits to solicit purchases

Variations include impersonators claiming to represent firefighter departments or charitable organizations. These schemes are known to spike at the beginning and end of the year.

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Unverified Identities: Legitimate fundraisers can provide proper identification; scammers typically cannot
Lack of Official Notification: Schools legitimately involved in fundraising inform parents in advance
Unexpected Door-to-Door Sales: Genuine school activities do not rely on unannounced home visits
Pressure Tactics: Scammers may create urgency or discourage verification attempts

Prevention Tips

Verify Identities: Always ask to see identification and contact information before engaging
Confirm with Schools Directly: Call the school office to verify any fundraising campaigns
Never Invite Strangers Inside: Legitimate fundraisers do not require entry to your home
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, decline the purchase and end the interaction
Don't Make Impulse Purchases: Take time to verify before handing over money

Reporting and Support

Contact your local police or gendarmerie to report suspicious activity
Report the incident to your municipal government
France's consumer protection agencies and fraud reporting centers can assist with complaints