Lyon, February 9 – The gendarmerie of the Rhône region has issued a stern warning to residents near Lyon regarding a new and sophisticated bank card scam that is rapidly spreading. This latest fraud involves fake bank letters delivered directly to mailboxes, containing what appears to be a new bank card and instructions for activation.
Gendarmerie Warns of Escalating Scams, “No Limits” to Fraudsters’ Ingenuity
As early 2026 sees a rise in various fraudulent activities, the Rhône gendarmerie highlights the relentless nature of scammers, stating they “have no limits” in their methods. While telephone and email scams remain prevalent, this new tactic marks a significant shift in their approach.
“The scammers have no limits,” observed local law enforcement officials, underscoring the constant evolution of fraudulent schemes. This new method, involving physical mail, adds a layer of deceptive authenticity that can easily trick unsuspecting individuals.
The Deceptive Method: Fake Cards and QR Codes
According to the gendarmerie, the scam operates on a simple yet effective premise:
- Recipients receive a letter that perfectly mimics official bank correspondence.
- Inside the letter, a bank card is included, often lacking a name, surname, or even a card number, indicating it is a dummy.
- The letter instructs the recipient to activate this card by scanning a QR code provided within the correspondence.
This is the critical juncture where the fraud occurs. Upon scanning the QR code, victims are directed to a fraudulent website designed to steal their sensitive banking information. They are prompted to enter various details, including:
- Bank identifiers
- Passwords
- Codes received via SMS
- Their actual bank card number
By collecting this information, the fraudsters gain complete access to the victim’s bank account, enabling them to drain funds and commit further financial crimes.
Key Precautions: What Not to Do
The authorities emphasize several crucial points to avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Recognize the fake card: The included card is a dummy. Real bank cards always feature the cardholder’s name, surname, and a valid card number.
- Never activate via QR code: Banks never use QR codes for card activation. Legitimate activation processes typically involve making a first payment in a store or withdrawing cash using a secret PIN.
- Contact your bank directly: If you have any doubts about a letter or instruction, never use the contact details provided in the suspicious correspondence. Instead, contact your bank advisor or customer service through official channels (e.g., the number on the back of your existing card or your bank’s official website).
- Report fraud attempts: A dedicated website has been launched to report such fraud attempts, allowing authorities to track and combat these criminal activities effectively.
The gendarmerie urges all residents to remain vigilant and to share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be less familiar with digital threats or more susceptible to sophisticated scams.
This incident reflects a broader trend of increasingly elaborate fraud schemes targeting individuals’ financial security. Residents of Lyon and the surrounding Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are advised to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited bank-related communications, whether by mail, email, or phone.
Source: https://actu.fr/faits-divers/pres-de-lyon-une-arnaque-inedite-a-la-carte-bancaire-se-repand-les-gendarmes-alertent_63811673.html
