70% of People Fall Prey to Undetected Bank Account Fraud: Here’s the Only Way to Check!

Every year, thousands discover that loans have been taken out in their names or that unfamiliar accounts have been linked to them. Sometimes, the first signs are a payment rejection, a debt collection notice, or an alert from the bank. Other times, the fraud goes unnoticed for months. The repercussions of identity theft can be severe: getting blacklisted by the central bank, difficulties in obtaining future loans, garnishment of wages… Astonishingly, in 70% of cases, according to the National Observatory of Crime, victims remain unaware for a long time that their identity has been misused.

However, there is a simple and quick way to clear up any doubts. Through an official, free tool available to everyone, one can check whether any accounts have been opened under their name. This underutilized service lists all bank accounts opened in France, including checking accounts, savings books, joint accounts, and business accounts. Simply requesting access to your data can instantly reveal if any unfamiliar accounts are connected to your identity, allowing you to act swiftly. For instance, if a fraudulent consumer loan is discovered, the victim can halt proceedings, file a complaint, and request the removal of any wrongful records.

To access the FICOBA, or the national directory of bank accounts and similar entities, you can make a request directly through the “Particuliers” section on the impots.gouv.fr website. For example, to make a request for yourself or for a minor child for whom you are the legal guardian, simply go to the “Other Services” section on the right side of your personal space and select the “request made for one’s own account” option.

A response usually arrives within 30 days, detailing all the bank accounts associated with the individual. This official document can then be used to take action if fraud is confirmed. However, be aware that the document does not reveal account balances or transactions; it only serves to identify accounts opened under one’s name.

To minimize the risks of identity theft, adopting a few simple habits can make a significant difference. Always shred personal documents before discarding them, never share your banking or personal information over email or phone, and regularly check your bank statements. If in doubt, you can also set up an alert on your data through specialized services or file a preliminary online complaint. In most cases, the quicker you react, the better your chances of stopping the fraud.