Be careful if you are attached to the Urssaf! The organization warns that false letters of formal notice are circulating asking to pay late contributions. This is a massive fearmongering phishing campaign.
If you are registered with Urssaf, be more than vigilant about the messages you receive these days. The organization informs its users that a phishing campaign (Phishing in French) is currently underway. As often, it is an identity theft scam aimed at substituting sensitive personal data – identifiers, passwords, bank details… – with the aim, ultimatelyto extort money.
But the method used this time is all the more insidious as the request seems to emanate from an official body and as it takes on an urgent character, encouraging the victims to react quickly, in fear and haste. And for good reason, the false letters take the form of formal notices demanding the immediate settlement of unpaid contributions. Enough to frighten many freelancers and business leaders… Despite the alarmist tone of the crooks, it is indeed a phishing campaign, as Urssaf specifies in the real alert email sent to its affiliates, in specifying that fraudulent requests can be sent by post, by email, by SMS and even by telephone.
Be particularly on the alert if you are asked to make a payment to a bank account, especially if the IBAN does not start with FR – this means that the account is domiciled abroad. Keep in mind that Urssaf will never ask you for your password and personal details, whether by email or telephone. Indeed, it is imperative to use its online platform to pay your contributions: it is the only way to carry out this operation. If you ever have the slightest doubt, contact Urssaf directly by telephone on 3698 or by messaging in your online space, which is secure. An advisor can then tell you if it is a scam or not. If, despite everything, you find yourself a victim of fraud, immediately oppose it on 0 892 705 705 (available 24 hours a day) then contact your bank, change your passwords and file a complaint at the police station. If you spot an attempted scam by SMS or telephone, do not hesitate to report it to Spam flag. You can also report a phishing site address to Phishing Initiative which will close the access.
Unfortunately, these campaigns are becoming more and more common and we must remain vigilant at all times. And remember to consult our practical sheet to identify and report any attempted fraud.