The ten moves, in order
- Stop all contact with the scammer and pay nothing more, whatever the promises or threats.
- Delete nothing: keep messages, e-mails, numbers, pages, proofs of payment. They are your evidence (see digital evidence).
- Take complete captures: site address, profile, conversation, with date and time visible.
- Contact your bank immediately to block the card or stop the transfer. An unauthorised payment can be disputed within 13 months.
- Change your passwords if you typed credentials, from a clean device, and enable two-factor authentication.
- Check your devices if you installed software at the scammer's request (remote control, suspicious app).
- Report the scam on the official scam-reporting platform and, for illegal content, on internet-signalement.gouv.fr. Spam SMS or calls can be reported on 33700.
- File a complaint at the police or gendarmerie with your evidence; a complaint is often needed for banking and insurance steps.
- Monitor your accounts and identity over the following weeks: scammers may resell your data or come back.
- Talk about it with someone close: shame is the scammer's best ally, and an outside view helps you stay level-headed.
How to spot the most common scams
| Scam | Warning sign | Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Fake bank adviser | An « urgent » call asking you to validate an operation or give a code | Hang up, call your bank back on its official number; never give a code received by SMS |
| Fake online shop | Very low prices, recent site, bank transfer only | Check reviews and legal notices; pay by card with 3-D Secure |
| Fake investment | High guaranteed returns, pressure to invest fast | Check the provider against financial authorities' blacklists |
| Romance scam | Fast online relationship then a request for money | Never send money to someone you have not met |
When to call a specialist
If the stakes are high (large sum, business, identity theft, harassment), a solid technical file helps your lawyer and investigators. Our cyber investigation team can analyse traces, preserve evidence and write a usable report, with full discretion.
