Financial scams are taking on unprecedented proportions. In 2025, 16,934 requests were sent to the Épargne Info Service platform of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), increasing by 27% over one year and of 43% since 2023. Individuals are by far the first victims since they represent 93% of reports. An increase which is explained in particular by better knowledge of this information service, but also by the multiplication of fraudulent offers circulating on the Internet and social networks.
For France Mayer, director of relations with savers and their protection at the AMF, the observation is clear. “This increase in requests can be explained in particular by savers’ better knowledge of the Épargne Info Service platform. 67% of these requests relate to unregulated offers. » Faced with scammers who now use artificial intelligence, usurp the identity of recognized actors and target already vulnerable victims, the AMF calls on individuals to be extra vigilant.
Crypto-asset scams: how do these fake investments work?
Crypto-asset scams remain one of the main scourges observed by the AMF. They most often take the form of fake trading platforms which give the illusion of profitable investments. “False investments in crypto-assets generally go through fake trading platforms which simulate the opening of an online account and then purported transactions which do not take place on any market. The money goes straight into the scammer’s pocket”explains France Mayer.
Another common scenario: the victim downloads a trading robot presented as capable of automatically generating winnings. Once connected to a real investment account, this software actually allows fraudsters to divert funds to their own accounts. “In general, the victim only realizes the scam when they want to make a withdrawal”specifies the head of the AMF
Identity theft: why fake financial advisors are so convincing
Fraudsters no longer hesitate to pose as financial investment advisorsmanagement companies or approved establishments in order to inspire confidence. “Identity theft is more of a way for scammers to operate regardless of the type of investment proposed behind it. This allows them to give credibility to their offer and reassure investors who are thinking of entrusting their money to an authorized actor.underlines France Mayer.
Artificial intelligence further strengthens this credibility. “Scammers are increasingly using generative AI to create sites that are larger than life. Small details, like spelling mistakes or bad translations, are now much rarer”she observes. Social networks also constitute a privileged playground. Fraudsters distribute false articles imitating those of major media and claim to reveal the secret of a personality’s fortune thanks to an alleged trading robot.
False loss reimbursements: the scam that targets fraud victims
After an initial fraud, some scammers come back with what the AMF calls the scam squared away. They contact victims by presenting themselves as a public administration, a lawyer or even an AMF collaborator, and promise to recover lost sums in exchange for administrative fees. “The AMF specifies on its website that it does not contact savers on its own initiative by telephone or private messaging and does not conduct a telephone campaign to raise awareness of scams”recalls France Mayer.
How to recognize a financial scam before it’s too late?
For the AMF, several warning signs should immediately arouse suspicion:
- a urgency to invest or insistent reminders;
- of the promises of very high returns risk-free;
- the absence of legal notices or reliable address;
- a telephone number located in a country other than that indicated on the site;
- a website created recently while the company claims several years of existence.
“The urgency to act, the numerous reminders, the promises of gains too good to be true” are among the most frequent indices, summarizes France Mayer.
Victim of a financial scam: what steps should you take?
When an individual discovers that they have been the victim of a scam, they should not wait before taking action. The first step is to file a complaint, in order to allow an investigation to be opened and to officially report the facts to the authorities. “We must file a complaint. This is a criminal fraud,” insists France Mayer. At the same time, it is recommended to notify your bank immediately in order to report the fraudulent transaction and to check whether certain transactions can still be blocked.
If the funds have already been transferred and the payment has been validated by the account holder, however, the possibilities for reimbursement remain very limited. “If the transaction from his bank account has been validated, the chances of getting the money back are almost zero. You can also contact the ACPR (Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority) competent authority for banks”, warns the director of relations with AMF savers.
Since the May 7, 2026however, a new tool has come to strengthen the fight against these scams: the National File of Accounts Reported for Risk of Fraud (FNC-RF). Powered by banking establishments, this file makes it possible to more quickly identify accounts used in fraudulent transactions and to strengthen prevention measures. Its objective is to facilitate the detection of scam networks and to limit the reuse of accounts already reported, even if it does not guarantee reimbursement for victims.
The AMF’s 3 tips to avoid a financial scam
To limit the risks, France Mayer recommends adopting three simple reflexes:
- Never give in to urgency and verify that the company is indeed authorized to operate by consulting the registers Orias, Regafi and AMF white lists.
- Be wary of exceptional returns : “There is no such thing as a miracle investment and there is no high return without high risk. »
- Never communicate your personal dataincluding when they are not banking.
The AMF also makes an online questionnaire available to individuals on AMF Protect Savings in order to assess whether they are potentially the target of a financial scam.
