French internet users have been targeted since Monday, June 15, by a phishing campaign involving fake emails that warn of an imminent 69-euro subscription charge, according to the consumer scam-tracking site Signal-Arnaques. The fraudulent messages claim the payment will be debited as early as Tuesday, June 16, creating a sense of urgency designed to make recipients react quickly.
What makes the scam especially convincing is that the emails may include real banking details belonging to the recipient, such as their name, IBAN, and BIC code. Signal-Arnaques said it received around 50 reports within just a few hours, while the page dedicated to the scam exceeded 10,500 views, showing how rapidly the campaign spread among French users.
The scammers are also said to be impersonating legitimate North American country clubs, golf clubs, or yacht clubs to make the emails appear official and trustworthy. The sender address uses the name of these establishments, which are not connected to the fraud. The message then includes a button labeled “Manage my subscription,” which redirects users to a fake webpage. In some cases, that page is presented as a cancellation portal, while in others it imitates a service linked to Amazon Prime Video.
The aim of the operation is to trigger panic so that victims click the malicious link, share sensitive personal data, or call a fake customer service line. Some people who have reported the scam believe their data may have been leaked by their bank or telecom provider, but the source of any possible data breach has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities and consumer protection experts advise users not to click any links contained in suspicious emails. Recipients should delete the message or mark it as phishing in their email provider. It is also important to monitor bank statements closely for any unauthorized charge. If a 69-euro debit appears, it should be contested immediately with the bank.
Anyone who has already clicked the link and entered personal information should contact their bank without delay to reduce the risk of financial loss or identity theft. The scam can also be reported through Signal-Arnaques, which is tracking the wave of fraudulent emails and warning the public about the threat.
