“It’s blackmail on a large scale”, according to the deputy head of the Central Office for the Fight against Cybercrime

“It’s blackmail on a large scale” said Friday, June 23 on franceinfo, Commissioner Christophe Durand, deputy head of the Central Office for the Fight against Cybercrime (OCLCTIC). This Monday, a vast operation by the police and gendarmes led to the arrest of 19 people in France and Belgium suspected of fraud in the false judicial summons for prejudice, for acts of child pornography. The scam is valued at at least 3.5 million euros.

>> False summons scam for child pornography: nineteen arrests in France and Belgium

The Deputy Head of OCLCTIC claims that this case represents “150,000 reports and nearly 400 complaints at the national level” but that only represents “what has been reported to the police and justice”.

These blackmailers use the technique known as “phishing” or “phishing”. “It’s the technique of the net in the sea”explains curator Christophe Durand. “We send a lot of emails “overboard” and it can pay off big, financially”. However, more than the financial loss for the victims, these online scams also lead to “human tragedies” with, sometimes, “suicide attempts”. “This is the most sensitive side of the case”adds the commissioner. “We go into the private sector and there are difficulties for some to manage this with those around them”.

The victims are men over the age of 60.

According to the deputy head of the Central Cybercrime Office, the victims are “usually men over 60 who aren’t internet natives. They let themselves be impressed”. Faced with this scourge which is constantly evolving, the policeman gives advice: “As soon as an email of this type plays on the emotional, we advise you to take a step back. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the police”.