How to Report a Scam or Cybercrime in France (and Get Your Money Back)
Faire opposition with your bank immediately, then file a complaint via THESEE for online scams. For unauthorised payments, French law (Article L133-18) forces a refund by the next business day.
Quick answer: Call your bank immediately to "faire opposition" (block the card and oppose the transfer), then file a complaint online via THESEE (plainte-en-ligne.masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr). For unauthorised payments, Article L133-18 forces your bank to refund you by the next business day.
What to do in 3 steps
- Faire opposition with your bank. Block the card and oppose the transfer as fast as possible, and stop all contact with the scammer.
- File the complaint. Use THESEE for internet scams (phishing, fake sellers, romance scams); report illegal content to PHAROS. For emergencies dial 17.
- Get help. cybermalveillance.gouv.fr for guidance, Info Escroqueries on 0 805 805 817, or France Victimes on 116 006.
How recovery actually works
Card fraud and clearly unauthorised debits are frequently refunded fast under L133-18; late refunds even accrue penalty interest. The fight is usually over whether you authorised the payment and whether strong authentication (3-D Secure) was genuinely performed — banks routinely allege "négligence grave" to refuse. Authorised-transfer scams are recovered far less often; if your bank refuses, escalate free to its banking mediator (médiateur bancaire).
What to have ready
- FranceConnect credentials (to file via THESEE)
- The scammer's website, seller name, phone, email and social handles
- Screenshots of all exchanges, any contract, and the transfer orders
- Bank statements showing the exact dates and amounts
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report an online scam in France? File a complaint via THESEE (plainte-en-ligne.masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr); dial 17 for emergencies.
Will my bank refund me? For unauthorised payments, yes — by the next business day under L133-18, unless gross negligence is proven.
What if the bank refuses? Escalate free to the banking mediator (médiateur bancaire).
Sources
- Ministère de l'Intérieur — THESEE (online scam complaint)
- Service-Public.fr — Arnaque sur internet
- Article L133-18, Code monétaire et financier
- Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr
For step-by-step reporting and recovery guides covering other countries, see our cybercrime help hub.