Fraudulent calls: what’s changing in France from January 1, 2026 to better protect you

You’ve had enough of those fraudulent calls that cut into your day and test your patience. A new rule is coming to better protect you, with implementation scheduled as early as January 1, 2026. You’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief, because number filtering and authentication are going to change the game.

Changes as of January 1, 2026

The announced measure targets two urgent issues: curbing identity theft and reducing aggressive canvassing. As a result, the call display on your telephone will have to correspond to a number verified by the networks. This step lays down a clear basis for distinguishing a legitimate contact from a suspicious call.

From this date, operators will have to step up their upstream controls. What’s more, atypical flows can be blocked before they reach your line. So you’ll have fewer interruptions and greater visibility over the origin of contacts.

The text provides for a common framework for telecoms players. As a result, canvassing platforms will have to identify themselves with dedicated ranges. Fraudulent calls will lose some of their effectiveness thanks to this reinforced traceability.

“From 2026, number authentication will be the norm”.

Why this measure is coming now

Scammers have taken advantage of easy tools to imitate credible numbers. Yet technology now offers robust authentication solutions. Regulators and operators want to make them more widespread, to reduce the risks for everyone.

The calendar responds to a simple challenge: making everyday communications more secure. Banks, public services and businesses will be easier to recognize at a glance. This clarity reduces the fear of picking up the phone, while drying up fraudulent calls.

• Check the identity displayed before answering.
• Hang up and call back via an official channel.
• Never share codes or passwords.
• Block the number from your phone.
• Report abuse via the 33700 platform.

Deployment will take place in stages, to ensure reliability at every step. In short, the ambition is to achieve solid protection without disrupting your uses. The authorities will monitor the impact and adjust if necessary.

How the measure will work in practice

Operators will set up a caller ID check. In this way, a call that doesn’t pass the checks can be blocked or reported. You’ll gain confidence without any further action on your part.

Call centers will have to use dedicated, recognized numbers. In addition, usage limits per number range will govern volumes. This logic reduces misappropriation and facilitates investigations in the event of abuse.

Serious companies can reinforce the identification of their calls. In practice, they will adopt technical protocols to prove their legitimacy. Eventually, you’ll see clearer information on the screen.

The rules will apply to the entire French market. As a result, consistency between operators will go up a notch. This makes circumvention much more difficult for fraudsters.

The right reflexes to stay calm

The best defense is simple, regular sorting. So refuse any immediate pressure or request for remote access. A credible professional will accept a reminder and a deadline.

If in doubt, disconnect the conversation and check. In addition, use the official contact details of your bank or service. Fraudulent calls collapse when you regain the initiative.

Keep your smartphone settings up to date. Then activate the unknown number blocker if that makes you feel better. Early notification also helps those around you.

What the coming months will bring

The period leading up to the deadline will serve as a launch pad. Technical tests and pilots will be set up. The tools must work without weighing you down.

Information campaigns will explain the new call indicators. In addition, instructions will be clear and easy to follow. Users will have concrete guidelines for recognizing a reliable contact.

Public monitoring of results will help adjust settings. In short, the objective is twofold: better authentication and better blocking. Fraudulent calls will have less and less leeway.

Stay cautious, but stay confident. You’ll be able to respond without fear when the call appears to be correct. The balance between safety and simplicity will guide you every step of the way.

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