Scammers are not lacking in inspiration when it comes to developing their schemes. Calls, SMS or email, the means of online communication are not without danger and it is important to always remain cautious when browsing the Web, because some malicious people are waiting for the slightest opportunity to rob you.
Fortunately, there are several clues to unmask fraudulent messages and therefore avoid falling into the trap.
The purpose of a fraudulent message is generally to invite the targets to call a premium rate number (4-digit or 10-digit number starting with 08), send an SMS to a chargeable number (5-digit number starting with 6.7 or 8) or, and this is the most common method today, clicking on a fraudulent internet link.
In addition, malicious text messages often play on the fear of potential victims by impersonating important organizations or mentioning upcoming payments. Often, the message also tries to inspire a certain urgency so that the targets act quickly without taking the time to think.
It’s also not uncommon to notice major typos or syntax errors in scam text messages. This is why when you receive a suspicious message, it is important to observe the way it is written as well as the spelling because this can form proof of scam.
Discover in our slideshow the 6 most common fraudulent SMS messages at the moment. If you receive them, do not click on the link, report it to 33700 and block the number. After this transfer of the fraudulent SMS, you will receive a message asking you to send the number from which you received the abusive SMS to 33700. As a reminder, 33700 is an SMS alert system created by telecom operators, service providers and hosts, in consultation with the State Secretariat for Industry and Consumer Affairs. As the CNIL specifies, be aware that sending an SMS to 33700 is free for Bouygues Telecom, Orange and SFR customers. On the other hand, for other operators, sending an SMS to 33700 can be done at the cost of a normal SMS.
In order to report a fraudulent website to which the scam text is directed, all you have to do is log into a government reporting platform like PHAROS. It is accessible on the website www.internet-signalement.gouv.fr. As specified by the CNIL, your report will be processed by a judicial police service specializing in these issues, the Central Office for the Fight against Crime Related to Information and Communication Technologies (OCLCTIC).