Description

est-ce que ce numéro est surtaxé ?

**Title:** “Protect Yourself from Deceptive Surcharged Phone Numbers in France: Recognize Them and Act”

**Introduction**
Tired of unexpected charges on your phone bill? Surtaxation fraud is a sneaky scam that costs French consumers heavily each year. Unwanted calls, misleading ads, or urgent messages tempting you to “act now” might prompt you to dial a number that secretly charges hefty fees. In 2022 alone, French authorities reported over 20 lawsuits against fraudulent entities, showing that vigilance is crucial. Let’s break down how to spot these numbers, avoid falling into traps, and combat the issue.

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### **1. How to Recognize Surtaxed Numbers**
Not all numbers marked with an 08 prefix are scams—some are legitimate, like customer service lines. However, certain prefixes and patterns should raise red flags:

– **Numbers starting with 0806, 0807, 0808, or 0809**: These 10-digit numbers (e.g., 0806 12 34 56) are *often surtaxed*. A single call or SMS can cost up to **€8 per minute**, so proceed cautiously unless verifying the service is legitimate.

– **Numbers beginning with 09**: Some “premium” services (e.g., dating, horoscopes) use numbers like 09xx xxxx xxx. These are typically expensive but legal if properly disclosed. Check the number in official databases first.

– **Short (4-digit) codes starting with 1 or 3**: Examples include 118 208 or 36xx services, though these often require explicit consent. Double-check before calling.

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### **2. Common Scenarios of Fraud**
Scammers exploit urgency or curiosity to trick you:

– **Teasers in Ads or SMS**:** “Call now for a free gift!” — but “free” here refers to the service, not the call.

– **Vishing (Voice Phishing):** Fake messages claiming to be from banks or emergency services, urging you to “react quickly” by dialing a surtaxed number.

– **Ghost Calls:** A missed call from an 080x number. If you redial, you’re charged.

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### **3. How to Verify a Number’s Legality**
Before dialing, confirm the number isn’t fraudulent via these methods:

1. **Check Official Registers:**
– France’s *annuaire inversé* or the DGCCRF’s official *Fichier des usages* lists authorized numbers. Legitimate services must register here. If a number is absent, it might be a scam.

2. **Contact Your Phone Operator:** They can verify charges and block unauthorized calls to such numbers.

3. Online Tools:
– Use the French government websites ([dgccrf.fr](https://www.economie.gouv.fr) and affiliated pages) to report or look up numbers.
– Websites like [monpetitforfait.com](https://monpetitforfait.com) provide guides.

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### **4. What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed**
– **Review Bills:** Look for unauthorized charges post-call.
– **Report Immediately:**
– File a complaint via the *Service Fourni Sans Avoir Demandé (SFSA)* at 33700 (free call or SMS). Say: “Je signale un SVA sans consentement.”)
– Submit details via the DGCCRF’s online form.
– **Demand a Refund:** If the service is illegal, legal action can recover fees.

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### **5. Protection Tips for the Future**
– **Use Free Alternatives:** Legitimate services like official helplines start with 0800 or 0805 (free), or 0x 1xxx for local services.
– **Avoid “Missed Call” Traps:** Ignore numbers you don’t recognize.
– *Always read fine print:* Offers with “toll-free” claims often charge the *caller* instead.

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### **Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Scams**
The DGCCRF and consumers fight back by reporting fraud, but proactive steps are vital. By knowing the warning signs and acting fast, you can evade costly surprises. Remember: legality doesn’t guarantee morality—if a call sounds urgent or vague but asks for a paid-per-minute number, walk away. Knowledge is your shield!

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**Additional Resources**
– France’s consumer agency: [www.economie.gouv.fr](https://www.economie.gouv.fr)
– DGCCRF’s consumer complaint portal: [33700 (free)]

Stay informed, stay protected, and protect your wallet!

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This guide simplifies complex regulations into actionable advice, helping readers safeguard themselves against hidden costs. Remember: A quick call can lead to serious charges—think before dialing.

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**Note:** The blog should use emojis or bolded terms for key points and include links to official French sites as per the user’s references. Adjust tone as needed for an accessible, actionable tone.