Urgent: French Polynesia Faces 90% Surge in Fraud, New Measures Announced
French Polynesia is grappling with a alarming 90% increase in fraud cases, according to the Institute for Overseas Programmes (IEOM). This sharp rise in financial scams has prompted the IEOM to launch a new campaign aimed at educating the public and protecting them from fraudsters who are continually devising new techniques to steal money.
Fraud on the Rise: What You Need to Know
The IEOM has reported that the majority of fraud attempts in 2024 failed, but the sheer volume is cause for concern. Credit card fraud accounts for 55% of the defrauded amounts, followed by 33% from bank transfers. Although check-based scams are less common, they are on the rise, with a 20% increase in fraudulent activities.
Franck Bounik, deputy director of IEOM in French Polynesia, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, especially during online purchases on sites that lack strong authentication measures. “When you love your money, you hold it back,” warns the IEOM, urging the public to be cautious and protect their financial information.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
One of the most prevalent scams involves false banking advisors who trick individuals into providing their online banking or credit card codes. Another common tactic is the use of fake game notifications on Facebook or SMS, claiming to warn about package arrivals but actually aiming to steal your bank details.
Polynesian banks are taking steps to protect victims by blocking suspicious transfers until confirmed by customers. Franck Bounik advises, “It is often difficult to recover your funds once the transfer is executed.” He also emphasizes that fraudulent transactions are most likely carried out by someone within the victim’s immediate circle, especially when two-factor authentication is bypassed.
New Legislation on the Horizon
In response to the escalating fraud cases, Polynesia is preparing a bill similar to France’s Naegelen law. This legislation aims to supervise telephone canvassing and combat fraudulent calls by requiring telephone operators to quickly blacklist suspect numbers.
Franck Bounik explains, “This bill will help us fight against these practices more effectively, ensuring that victims are better protected and that fraudsters are held accountable.” The new measures also include visuals and advice on avoiding check fraud, such as never allowing someone else to fill out a check for you.
Stay Informed and Protected
As the fight against fraud intensifies, it’s crucial for the public to stay informed and vigilant. archyde.com is your go-to source for the latest updates on fraud prevention and security tips. Keep an eye out for more information on the upcoming legislation and how it will impact your financial safety.
