Fake bank book scams are increasing. Large brands like Allianz, Revolut, Boursorama are being usurped by increasingly ingenious fraudsters. A couple of lawyers testify after having invested 300,000 euros in a false investment.
Andr, a 60-year-old Parisian lawyer, came across an ad on Instagram promising a savings account with 4.95% annual interest, apparently offered by the Allianz insurance group. Attracted by this offer which he finds interesting, Andr clicks on the link and provides his personal information. Without knowing it, he and his wife are about to be cheated out of 300,000 euros, reports The Parisian in his Monday edition.
Two days later, Andr was contacted by a certain Alexis Thomas, claiming to be an advisor at Allianz. After a convincing discussion, Andr decides to place 100,000 euros, followed by a second transfer of the same amount, into what he believes to be his new savings account. Hlne, his wife, follows his example with a first transfer of 100,000 euros. When his wife attempts a second transfer, it fails, leading the couple to discover the deception by going to Allianz where they learn that Alexis Thomas does exist but has never contacted the couple.
This scam is not an isolated case. Allianz and other companies have been victims of identity theft, with a surge in fake online advertising. Revolut, Barclays and even Boursorama are usurped by fraudsters.
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A scam takes place every three seconds
Requests for help for financial investment scams increased by 190% in 2023, according to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. In France, a scam takes place every three seconds, often affecting those with substantial savings, and the methods of scammers evolve with the economic situation.
The Brigade for the Repression of Astute Delinquency (BRDA) faces structured networks practicing a Taylorism of fraud, with well-defined roles, ranging from the distribution of advertisements to the opening of bank accounts. The BRDA recognizes that the brains behind these operations are often located outside France, particularly in Israel.
The banking and insurance regulator, the ACPR, recommends not completing online forms without verification and consult your blacklist unauthorized entities offer banking products. In 2023, 276 new registrations were added to this list. Allianz has also filed a complaint and warns against the multiplication of these scams, emphasizing the importance of prevention.
Andr and Hlne filed a complaint following their loss of 300,000 euros, transferred to a Spanish bank. Despite little hope of getting their money back, Andr wants to warn against these scams.
Credit and savings account scams: losses in tens of thousands of euros