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First published in May 2024
Updated July 2025
Living in France as an expat comes with many advantages, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and access to excellent healthcare through the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) and Ameli system. But in the digital age, it also means being cautious about fraudulent messages and phishing scams, especially if you’re new to the country or still adjusting to the language.
Recently, scammers have increasingly targeted both locals and foreigners with SMS and email scams impersonating official organisations like CPAM and Ameli. These messages often claim there are unpaid fines, health insurance issues, or customs duties on packages, attempting to trick you into clicking malicious links or giving away personal information.
As someone living in France, understanding how to identify scam messages, how CPAM and Ameli actually communicate, and what steps to take when you receive a suspicious message can help protect you from fraud.
Common Scams Targeting CPAM and Ameli Users
Scams targeting health-related organisations such as CPAM or Ameli.fr typically come in the form of:
➡️ SMS stating you're owed a reimbursement or must pay a fine
➡️ Emails mimicking Ameli’s branding with fake login links
➡️ Phone calls pretending to be from French health officials
➡️ Notifications of customs fees requiring immediate payment
For expats unfamiliar with how French administration works, these messages can be convincing. Unfortunately, scammers count on that confusion.
Does Ameli or CPAM Send Text Messages?
No. CPAM and Ameli never send SMS messages with clickable links. This is a critical point. Their official communication is only done via your Ameli account or by post/email, and their emails never include embedded links to click.
If you do receive a message claiming to be from Ameli or CPAM and it contains a link, that’s your first red flag. In France, trustworthy official messages do not pressure you to act immediately, and they will always direct you to log in securely via https://www.ameli.fr.
In legitimate cases where the government or health insurance does use SMS (for appointment reminders, for instance), the sender will appear under a clear name like “EspaceSante” and contain no links.
What Does a Scam SMS Look Like?
Scam messages typically include:
➡️ Poor grammar or strange formatting
➡️ Unfamiliar mobile numbers as the sender (rather than named entities)
➡️ A sense of urgency (“Your reimbursement is waiting! Click now!”)
➡️ Shortened or suspicious links
The image below is an example of an SMS scam to better understand its characteristics. Note the presence of a suspicious link within the message and the mobile number, both of which are common red flags. Trusted SMS would lack any links and prominently display the organisation's name, ensuring clarity and authenticity.
For comparison, we've included a trusted SMS to help illustrate its characteristics. Notice the absence of any suspicious links within the message, and observe how the organisations name is clearly displayed, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
If you think you’ve received a scam SMS in France, don’t click on any links or respond to the message. Instead, take the following steps:
✅ Forward the SMS to 33700
France has a dedicated service for reporting fraudulent text messages. Simply forward the suspicious message to 33700, a free service supported by the French State and telecom operators.
You’ll then receive an automated reply asking for the number the message came from. Sending this information helps French authorities and mobile providers take down scam networks and block malicious numbers.
✅ Delete the message
After reporting it, delete the SMS immediately to avoid accidentally opening it later.
Extra Tips for Staying Safe as an Expat in France
👉 Never give out your carte Vitale number or Ameli login by phone or email.
👉 Always access official health services by typing https://www.ameli.fr into your browser, not by clicking on links.
👉 Create your Ameli account and check it regularly for official communication.
👉 Use trusted French antivirus or spam filter apps on your smartphone to detect suspicious content.
👉 If in doubt, contact CPAM directly through the number listed on Ameli.fr or visit your local CPAM office.
What If You Already Clicked a Link?
If you’ve accidentally clicked a link in a scam message and submitted personal data:
1️⃣ Change your Ameli password immediately.
2️⃣ Report the incident to France’s national anti-fraud platform, cybermalveillance.gouv.fr.
3️⃣ Contact your bank to flag potential fraudulent activity.
It’s also helpful to notify CPAM directly, especially if your carte Vitale number was involved.
Don’t Let Scams Spoil Your French Experience
Adjusting to life in a new country comes with a learning curve, and recognising fraud in France is just one part of the process. But with awareness, you can avoid falling victim to CPAM or Ameli scams and enjoy your time living in France with peace of mind.
For more official advice on preventing fraud, visit Service-Public.fr.
And if you’re planning to move to France or need help navigating French health insurance, explore our resources at Fab French Insurance. We offer support to make your relocation smooth and stress-free.
To Wrap it All Up
From phishing emails to fraudulent text messages, scam attempts are evolving, but with the right knowledge, you can stay a step ahead. Always remember: CPAM and Ameli do not send clickable links via SMS, and legitimate French institutions won’t rush you into taking action via text.
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