As the French Days — a major promotional event — approach, thousands of French consumers are reminded of a growing threat: phishing scams. These fraudulent schemes often begin with a seemingly legitimate text message, claiming an order has been placed and needs confirmation. The message, designed to look like it comes from a well-known brand like Fnac, urges the recipient to act quickly, often by clicking on a link that leads to a fake website. Within seconds, sensitive banking information can be stolen, and accounts emptied — all without the victim realizing they've been scammed. The tactics used by cybercriminals are carefully crafted to mimic real brand communication. Messages often include logos, proper formatting, and language that closely mirrors official brand materials. This creates a false sense of security, making it easier for victims to fall for the scam. The urgency of the situation is a key psychological lever: scammers exploit the fear of losing a good deal or having an order canceled, pushing users to act quickly without thinking. The trap is designed to be subtle, with the only giveaways being small discrepancies, like a slightly altered website domain. Once the link is clicked, users are directed to a page that closely resembles the official brand’s website. Here, they are asked to enter their banking details under the pretense of confirming an order. This information is then used by cybercriminals to make unauthorized transactions. These scams are not isolated incidents. During major promotional events like the French Days, phishing attempts increase significantly, with messages imitating not only Fnac but also other well-known retailers like Boulanger, Cdiscount, and Amazon. Authorities such as DGCCRF and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr regularly warn the public about these threats, emphasizing that phishing is a common tactic where fraudsters impersonate brands to collect personal and financial information. The French Days, with their surge in online shopping, create the perfect environment for such scams. According to estimates, phishing scams cost France hundreds of millions of euros annually, highlighting the importance of consumer vigilance. To avoid falling victim, it's crucial to remember that no legitimate brand asks for credit card details via SMS or email. Always check the URL, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report any suspicious activity through official channels like Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr or the short number 33700. Staying alert and informed is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.