Fraud figures rise sharply in 2025

According to recently disclosed figures from the Bank of France for 2025, the amounts stolen through fraud by manipulation have exceeded half a billion euros, an increase of 34% compared to the previous year. This type of fraud involves tricking victims into carrying out or approving fraudulent transactions themselves.

Manipulation fraud becomes dominant

This type of sophisticated scam now accounts for more than 40% of payment method fraud, twice as much as five years ago. The phenomenon has raised concerns among public authorities, prompting some preventive measures, such as a service to verify the beneficiaries of transfers since October 2025.

Fraud tactics evolve with AI

However, the strategies used by the perpetrators, now aided by artificial intelligence, are sufficiently ingenious and varied to complicate the response of banks and other payment service providers. The evolving nature of these tactics makes it challenging to develop effective countermeasures.

Banks call on digital platforms

In response to the publication of the 2025 fraud figures on September 7, the banking sector, through the voice of the French Banking Federation (FBF), specifically pointed out "digital platforms" and "telecom operators," calling on them to mobilize more. French banks recall that manipulation fraud often originates from spoofed phone calls, fraudulent SMS, instant messaging, social networks, fake advertisements, fake investment sites, or identity theft of professionals.

Collaborative effort needed

Therefore, to be effective, the fight against these frauds cannot rely solely on banks. The task has been assigned to the Advisory Committee for the Financial Sector (CCSF), which brings together, under the auspices of the Bank of France, representatives of consumers, professionals in the financial sector, and public authorities.

Public consultation opens for fraud victims

The body has thus opened a public consultation aimed at victims of fraud. The lessons learned from this consultation will contribute to the development of a shared diagnosis and the identification of action paths that can strengthen the prevention and fight against financial fraud and scams. The consultation is open until November 30, 2026, in the form of an online questionnaire.