Since the beginning of 2025, the French gendarmerie has been issuing multiple warnings about a massive yet discreet scam that has already made hundreds of victims. The trap? A sneaky technique that doesn’t rely on violence, but on social engineering, targeted phishing, and fake banking or administrative services. This fraud, which operates in the shadows, can empty bank accounts in just a few hours, often without the victim realizing it immediately.
Cybercriminals know exactly how to manipulate trust, and they use increasingly sophisticated tools. It is crucial to understand how this scam works, and more importantly, how to protect yourself effectively with solutions like ScamBlock.
What is the scam that empties bank accounts in 2025?
A discreet scam reported by the gendarmerie involves impersonating your bank or an official organization. Through phone calls, SMS, or emails, scammers entice you to click on a fraudulent link or validate a transfer. This technique allows them to empty a bank account in just a few hours. It’s essential to never disclose your information and to use a solution like ScamBlock to protect yourself.
How the fraudsters operate in 2025
Scammers no longer just send suspicious emails. In 2025, they use techniques that combine:
- Targeted phishing (spear phishing) with your real data (name, bank, delivery address).
- Fake bank agents or public service employees who call you.
- Fraudulent links leading to websites that mimic your customer portal.
- Spyware installations via attachments or fake tracking links.
Their goal? To convince you to:
- Enter your banking credentials
- Validate a “security” transfer
- Download a remote control application
And all of this, by pretending to be your advisor or an official agent.
How this scam empties bank accounts
Once trust is established, the steps are quick:
- The scammer retrieves your banking login details via a fake website or by phone.
- They log into your customer portal without triggering an alert.
- They make transfers to “mule” accounts, often abroad.
- The money disappears in a few hours, transferred into untraceable circuits.
And since some banks only partially reimburse fraud, victims can lose several thousand euros.
Signs that should alert you
Here are the warning signs that the gendarmerie urges you to watch for:
- An email or SMS asking you to “verify” or “secure” a bank account
- A link leading to a page resembling your bank’s website, but with a suspicious URL
- A phone call from a so-called advisor asking you to “validate a transaction”
- Urgency or threats (“your account will be suspended,” “you risk a fine”)
- A request to install software on your phone or computer
Let me know if you’d like any further help!
How to protect yourself effectively against this scam
The authorities recommend the following good practices:
- Never click on a link sent via unverified SMS or email
- Always type your bank’s address manually in your browser
- Refuse any transfer request by phone, even under pressure
- Never install an app at the request of a stranger
- Always verify the domain name before entering your credentials
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And to go further:
🛡️ Install a protection solution like ScamBlock that filters suspicious sites, blocks dubious redirects, and alerts you to fraud attempts as they occur.
Why ScamBlock is essential protection against this scam in 2025
ScamBlock is a free security extension that acts as a smart firewall for your web browsing:
🛑 It automatically blocks phishing sites and fake banks
🧠 It uses a real-time updated database
👁 It displays a trust score for every site you visit
🔒 It works without collecting personal data
🌐 It is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
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In just a few clicks, ScamBlock can prevent catastrophic financial losses caused by these invisible yet formidable scams.
A vital digital vigilance
The scam described by the gendarmerie in 2025 doesn’t rely on violence, but on psychology, trickery, and technology. It can affect anyone: young people, retirees, professionals, or students. The only effective weapon is digital education and the adoption of robust cybersecurity solutions.
- Stay suspicious of urgent messages
- Never give personal information under pressure
- Browse protected with a tool like ScamBlock
- Report any fraud attempts to phishing@gouv.fr
One click can change your life. Don’t leave it to the scammers.