Démarchage Téléphonique: Fraud Reports Double as France Strengthens Call Authentication
PARIS, 18 February 2026 – France is facing a critical surge in “démarchage téléphonique” (telephone solicitation), with the national telecoms regulator, Arcep, revealing this week that reports of fraudulent and abusive calls more than doubled over the course of 2025. As of February 2026, authorities are deploying advanced authentication protocols to combat a new wave of AI-generated scams and persistent number spoofing.
Arcep Report Highlights 2025 Crisis
In its annual review published on Monday 16 February 2026, Arcep (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques) confirmed a record-breaking year for consumer complaints. The data indicates that 53% of all calls received by French residents are now classified as “undesirable.” The explosion in volume is attributed to “robocalls” and the increasing use of generative AI, which allows scammers to simulate human conversation with alarming accuracy.
The report specifically highlights the rise of “usurpation de numéro” (caller ID spoofing), where fraudsters mimic local French numbers or official government lines to bypass traditional blocking software. This has led to a spike in scams targeting the Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) and fraudulent energy renovations.
New Technical Defences and Regulations
To counter this, a mandatory authentication mechanism for landline and mobile numbers has been fully operational since late 2024. Under these Arcep rules, operators are now required to automatically disconnect calls that cannot be verified as authentic. However, industry experts note that “lead generators”—companies that sell consumer data to telemarketers—continue to find loopholes by operating from jurisdictions outside the European Union.
In early 2026, French consumer advocacy groups have renewed calls for a “total ban” on unsolicited commercial calls without prior explicit consent, moving away from the current “opt-out” system (Bloctel), which many users find ineffective against international scammers.
Key Statistics: The State of Telemarketing in France (2025-2026)
| Metric | Data / Status |
|---|---|
| Fraudulent Call Reports (2025) | Increased by 100% (Doubled) |
| Proportion of Undesirable Calls | 53% of total incoming traffic |
| Primary Scam Targets | Energy subsidies, CPF, and Insurance |
| Regulatory Action | Mandatory Caller Authentication (Arcep) |
| Reference Date | 16 February 2026 (Annual Report) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of “Telephone Solicitation” in France?
Legally, it refers to the initiation of a telephone call or message intended to promote the purchase, rental, or trade of goods and services. In France, this is strictly regulated by the Consumer Code, which limits the hours and frequency of such calls.
How can I block unwanted calls on my smartphone in 2026?
Most modern smartphones now include “Silence Unknown Callers” features in their settings. Additionally, French residents can register their numbers on the “Bloctel” list, though this is only effective against legitimate French companies and does not stop illegal offshore scammers.
Is cold calling going to be banned in France?
While not yet fully banned, there is significant legislative pressure in 2026 to move toward an “opt-in” only model. Currently, certain sectors, such as energy renovation, are already subject to near-total bans on cold calling due to high levels of fraud.
What should I do if I receive a call from EDF or a government agency?
Be cautious of “spoofing.” Official bodies like EDF have warned that they will never ask for bank details or passwords over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call the organisation back using the official number found on your paper bill or their verified website.