Fraud rises sharply in France

In 2025, fraudsters stole 2.3 billion euros through payment methods in France, a 34% increase from 2024, according to the Observatoire de la sécurité des moyens de paiement (OSMP). Debit cards accounted for 68% of the stolen amounts, more than transfers and other digital solutions.

Fraud distribution by payment method

Losses related to debit cards reached 1.56 billion euros, followed by 480 million euros from transfers and 264 million euros from electronic wallets. Checks, which are becoming less common, now represent only 3% of fraud, down from 12% in 2020.

Debit card fraud prevalence

Debit cards are the most targeted, with 78 million cards in circulation, offering many targets. Online commerce, worth 147 billion euros, increases risks due to the lack of physical contact, vulnerable databases, and counterfeit websites.

Fraud detection and legal pressures

Detecting card fraud takes an average of 4.2 days, compared to 1.8 days for a suspicious transfer. Fraud involving fake bank advisors has increased by 89%, now affecting transfers. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJUE) requires immediate reimbursement, pushing banks to be more vigilant.

Rising losses and victim impact

Between 2023 and 2025, average losses per victim increased by 30%, rising from 980 euros to 1,278 euros. Seniors, who represent 38% of victims, suffer higher losses, 67% above the national average. The Institut national de la consommation (INC) notes that 22% of victims never recover their money.

Online commerce and sector-specific fraud

Online commerce is responsible for 41% of payment method fraud, with 943 million euros stolen. The tourism sector, recovering from the pandemic, suffered 216 million euros in fraud, particularly through fake accommodation listings. Rental platform users saw 12% of them fall victim to attempted fraud.

Hidden costs of fraud

Fraud incurs hidden costs, including 180 million euros in annual premiums for fraud insurance. Legal recourse, often unsuccessful, costs 67 million euros in various fees. An IFOP study shows 58% of victims develop distrust towards online transactions, reducing their purchases by an average of 23% for six months.

Future fraud projections

The Bank of France predicts an 18% to 22% increase in fraud in 2026, bringing the total between 2.7 and 2.8 billion euros. Artificial intelligence, which helps create deepfakes, could increase scams by 340%. Contactless payments, with a raised limit of 100 euros, offer new opportunities for fraudsters.

Security measures and public trust

Authorities plan to make biometric two-factor authentication mandatory for transactions exceeding 150 euros starting in the second quarter of 2026. The director of the OSMP warns that without stronger security protocols and authentication, a trust crisis is to be feared. Early financial education is seen as essential to prevent these frauds.