Scams also target small businesses, in France as in Asia. Almost all of them look alike: urgency, secrecy, a new bank account. Here is how to spot them, and what to do if it happens to you.
1. The five most common scams
| Scam | How it works | The right reflex |
|---|---|---|
| Fake change of bank details | An e-mail that seems to come from your supplier announces a “new bank account”, often in another country. | Call the supplier on the number you already know, never the one in the message, before paying. |
| CEO fraud | Someone pretends to be the company head, a lawyer or a bank and asks for an urgent, “confidential” transfer. | No exception to your usual rules. Always check through another channel. |
| Fake company | Very low prices, a large deposit requested, refusal of a video call or a visit. | Check the company in its country's official register (see our guide), ask for a sample and a written contract. |
| Fake directory or fake organisation | A document presented as a “simple check of your details” is in fact a paid order form. | Read the small print. Do not sign anything from an unknown sender without taking time to check. |
| Counterfeits | Branded products offered far below their price. | Refuse. On arrival in France, customs can seize everything (see below). |
2. Warning signs
- You are rushed: “you must pay today”.
- You are asked for secrecy: “don't tell anyone”.
- The bank account changes, or is in a different country from the company's.
- Payment is requested to a person's account, not the company's.
- The e-mail address looks like the real one, with one letter different.
- Spelling mistakes, a poor-quality logo, an unusual tone.
3. Good habits
- Double check: any change of bank details is confirmed by calling the usual number.
- Two people approve large transfers, when possible.
- A written contract: price, quantities, deadlines, delivery, payment.
- Traceable payment, in the company's name, never in cash or by money order.
- Keep everything: e-mails, invoices, conversations. They will be your evidence.
- Protect your accounts: a login code (received by SMS, by e-mail or given by your app) is never given to anyone. All the good habits are in our prevention guide: Website security, part 4 "Good habits to protect your accounts".
4. Counterfeits are costly, even for the buyer
If French customs find counterfeit goods, they can confiscate the goods and the means of transport, impose a fine of up to twice the value of the goods, and the penalty can go up to three years in prison (French Customs Code). Questions: Infos Douane Service, 0 800 94 40 40 (free, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 18:00; from abroad: +33 1 72 40 78 50).
5. If you are a victim
- Call your bank immediately and ask for the transfer to be recalled: the faster you act, the better your chances of getting the money back.
- 17cyber.gouv.fr: the French one-stop service of the police, gendarmerie and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, open 24/7, businesses included.
- File a complaint with the police, with all your evidence. Outside France, contact the police of your country.
- Info Escroqueries (France): 0 805 805 817 (free call, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:30).
- Misleading sales calls between businesses in France: report them to the DGCCRF (www.economie.gouv.fr/contact/contacter-la-dgccrf).
6. What Passerelle France-Asie will never do
- Ask you for money by e-mail, or to a person's account.
- Ask for a password or a code received by text message.
- Ask for your bank details by e-mail or by phone. For a refund, you request it yourself in My area.
- Change its contact details without announcing it on this website.
A message claiming to come from us that does any of these things is a scam attempt: do not reply, and write to us through the contact form on this website.
Sources: 17Cyber (French police, gendarmerie, Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr); French Public Finances Directorate (fake transfer order fraud); DGCCRF; service-public.fr (counterfeits); French customs; French Ministry of the Interior (Info Escroqueries). Checked on 13 October 2026.