A call for distrust after the discovery of various frauds. In a press release published on Tuesday, the Banque de France “draws the attention of individuals and companies to the existence of counterfeit checks in circulation” written on free paper.
Issuing a check on normal paper is not a problem in itself, and this practice is totally legal. The problem is that the Banque de France appears there as “the bank of the issuer”. However, “since 2021, individuals cannot have an account at the Banque de France,” recalls the institution.
As a result, the Banque de France “was forced to reject (…) several formulas drawn up on free paper for ‘false check’ of erroneous contact details, due to the non-existence of an account.” However, it indicates that it does not know how many checks of this type are in circulation. “We are only aware of a limited number of checks issued during 2022. Other checks may have been issued that we are not aware of at this time,” Banque de France explains to BFM Business.
“Fancy” Tips on Websites and Social Media
According to the Banque de France, the making of these fake checks is the result of “advice mentioned on certain websites or social networks that encourage them to write such free paper writings to pay their bills.” “There are several websites and social networks. These tips are fanciful on how to settle debts and, therefore, above all, should not be followed,” specifies the institution.
Finally, it asks “professionals (water, gas, electricity providers, owners of rented properties, etc.) and communities not to accept checks that are so easily recognizable in payment of their bills or credits.” “In fact, these checks will in no case be paid by the Banque de France.”
The production of forged checks remains the most common means of payment fraud today. In 2021, the forgery or misappropriation of a check represented 31% of the frauds registered for a total amount of 625 million euros.
Source: BFM TV
