Financial Watchdog AMF Issues Warning on Impersonation Scams and Malicious Websites

In a recent advisory, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the French financial regulatory authority, has raised concerns about a surge in fraudulent activities involving the unauthorized use of its name. The warning is targeted at both regulated and unregulated entities under the AMF's jurisdiction, cautioning them against falling victim to sophisticated scams.

The AMF disclosed that numerous professionals have reported receiving deceptive emails and phone calls, purportedly from the AMF and one of its staff members. The perpetrators behind these incidents aim to lure individuals into visiting fraudulent websites that could potentially compromise their computer systems.

As of now, the AMF has identified two distinct instances of impersonation, emphasizing that there is no conclusive evidence linking them to the same malicious actor. However, technical investigations are ongoing to delve deeper into the matter.

In the first scenario, recipients receive an email claiming to contain important updates aimed at enhancing user experience. The email tricks users into visiting a malicious website. The site then redirects users to download a Java archive file, which is identified as a malicious computer program. While the exact purpose of the program remains unknown, it is suspected to allow unauthorized access to the user's workstation.

In the second scenario, professionals receive an email referring to an alleged invoice with the subject "Confirmation required for invoice payment." The email contains a link to a malicious site.

The AMF emphasizes that all reported information will be forwarded to the public prosecutor for further investigation and action. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to protect the financial community from potential harm.

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