The French Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Repression Authority (DGCCRF) has fined the company Le Betef nearly 100,000 euros for using illegal telemarketing practices. The exact amount of the fine is 92,107 euros, imposed after an investigation by the Val-d'Oise department's DDPP (Public Prosecutor's Office for Consumer Protection). Between January 2024 and March 2025, Le Betef called private individuals to sell energy renovation services, such as insulation or boiler replacements. This type of phone marketing is illegal in this sector, as it aims to protect consumers from aggressive commercial calls related to energy efficiency improvements. The company was also criticized for not informing customers of their right to register on Bloctel, a national opt-out list that allowed individuals to block unsolicited commercial calls. However, Bloctel ceased to exist in the summer of 2026, replaced by an opt-in system. Under the new rules, companies must now obtain explicit consent from consumers before making any commercial calls, rather than relying on individuals to register on a list to avoid being contacted. Le Betef is not the only company to face sanctions for these practices. Earlier this year, the DGCCRF fined Ecovert 44,840 euros and Tech ENR 260,900 euros for similar violations in the energy renovation sector. These actions reflect the DGCCRF's ongoing efforts to crack down on unscrupulous businesses engaged in misleading or aggressive marketing. The new opt-in system, which took effect on August 11, 2026, significantly changes how companies can contact consumers. Under this system, commercial calls are prohibited by default, and companies must prove they obtained prior consent from the consumer. Two exceptions remain: if the consumer has an ongoing contract with the company or if the call is directly related to a specific request the consumer made. This shift aims to give consumers more control over their communications and reduce the risk of being targeted by unsolicited marketing.