AI-Powered Scams Surge: 40% of French People Targeted by 2025

March 30, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Cybercrime is surging, fueled by advances in artificial intelligence. Nearly four in ten French citizens reported falling victim to online fraud in 2025, according to a recent study. A particularly concerning development is the emergence of AI-powered “vishing” – voice phishing – which has now caught the attention of Interpol.

The proliferation of digital scams, ranging from fake investment platforms to romance fraud and phishing via SMS, is occurring at an alarming rate. The Centre de recherche pour l’étude et l’observation des conditions de vie (Crédoc) found that almost 348,000 digital offenses were recorded in 2024, a 74% increase since 2019, according to data from Vie publique. This surge has elevated online financial fraud to one of the top five global threats identified by Interpol, alongside drug trafficking and money laundering.

The integration of artificial intelligence is dramatically escalating the sophistication of these scams. In Spain, cybercriminals are now leveraging AI tools to convincingly mimic the voices of company executives. By obtaining even brief audio samples – readily available online or through phone calls – they can replicate speech patterns, intonation, and mannerisms with startling accuracy. This allows them to deceive employees into complying with fraudulent requests.

The Rise of AI-Powered Voice Phishing

The typical scenario unfolds with an unexpected phone call. The caller claims to be a superior and cites an urgent matter, such as a technical issue or a personal emergency, requiring immediate payment. The sense of urgency compels victims to act quickly, bypassing standard verification procedures.

This modern tactic, known as “vishing IA” (a contraction of “voice phishing”), can result in substantial financial losses. France Num warns that victims can be defrauded of significant sums, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of euros.

Protecting Yourself from Vishing Attacks

Authorities emphasize several key precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Individuals should never disclose personal information, passwords, or banking details over the phone. It is also advisable to avoid returning calls to unknown numbers, particularly those originating from foreign countries.

Skepticism is crucial when receiving unsolicited phone calls. Banks, law enforcement agencies, and government institutions will never request confidential codes or passwords by phone. If a scam has already occurred, immediate contact with one’s bank is essential.

In February 2026, Interpol highlighted the growing threat posed by AI to cybersecurity, noting the increasing sophistication of phishing emails and the creation of deepfake audio and video used in scams. The organization has also issued “purple notices” – international alerts for emerging criminal trends – related to new fraud schemes, including one originating in South Korea involving the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with inflated promises of returns, as part of Operation HAECHI IV, which led to the arrest of 3,500 suspects and the seizure of $300 million.

Interpol’s Centre of Innovation is actively developing resources, including an AI usage manual for law enforcement, to promote responsible innovation and equip police forces with the tools to combat AI-enabled crime. The manual aims to help law enforcement agencies leverage AI technologies while maintaining public trust.