In Finistère, a workshop to learn how to thwart online scams
The arrivals follow one another and greet each other politely. Comfortably seated on tables arranged in a “u” shape in one of the rooms of the Community of Communes building in Châteauneuf-du-Faou (Finistère), the twelve participants of the “avoiding online scams” workshop get started. “I would like to be able to make purchases on the Internet in complete security,” says Martine, 77 years old. At his side, Jean-François, 71, says he is worried: his telephone operator has suffered a data leak and his personal information is circulating on the Internet.
Facing them, Marion Bionaz and Christophe Lallouet nod their heads. The two “comcom” employees regularly host these sessions in this town of nearly 15,000 inhabitants. If the slideshow projected on the big screen was sponsored by Orange, a partner of the initiative, the workshops are based above all on the sharing of experience. “We want to de-dramatize the situation and show that no one is alone in the face of cyber risk,” explains the local child with pedagogy. His colleague agrees: “We support them on a daily basis with online procedures and, naturally, also talk to them about the right reflexes to adopt. » Other towns in France such as Le Trait (Seine-Maritime) or Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt (Val-d’Oise), also organize this type of workshop.
Know how to detect risks
When we talk about phishing, these unwanted messages received on our cell phones, or cold calling calls, Gabriel reacts proudly: “I downloaded an application that shows me and blocks certain calls suspected of being spam. This saves me a lot of tricks. » Around him, several immediately jot down in their notebook: Orange Telephone, Hiya, Truecaller… free applications.
Choose strong passwords, make regular updates, delete cookies from your computer, check the sender’s address… Faced with the many risks, advice is abundant. What about online shopping? “Check the site address carefully and be careful of offers of discounts that are too tempting,” repeats Christophe. Annie knows something about this: last year, she bought two perfumes for the price of one. Result: his bank account was debited by 90 euros, but his purchase was never delivered.
A scenario is necessary: in the end quiz, the question “Should I be wary if I want to make a purchase on the site https://amazone.fr?” » An angel passes by. Suddenly, Annie intervenes: “Absolutely! Amazon, normally there is no e”. Marion and Christophe smile: the training is already bearing fruit.
