Are you looking to renew your identity card? With just a few clicks, you stumble upon a well-designed website that appears official and offers an online pre-application for 39 euros. Everything seems simple and quick. However, it’s a scam. This site is not official at all; it mimics all the codes of the genuine platforms to mislead you.
And the worst part? This process is usually free. Many people fall for this trap. How can you identify such scams? What are the legitimate sites to use? And what should you do if you’ve already paid? We’ll explain everything.
Why This Identity Card Scam Works So Well
The website is called cni-fra.fr. It is very well designed and looks like an official site. It has an attractive logo at the top and clearly explains all the steps to obtain an identity card. It even details the documents you need to bring. Plus, it ranks very high on Google.
When you type “pre-application identity card”, it often appears at the top of the search results. Many people assume it’s the correct site, so they click without thinking. Then, the site asks them to pay 39 euros to submit a pre-application.
But this payment does nothing. It doesn’t initiate any real application; it’s simply wasted money. The worst part is that many people don’t even realize they’ve been scammed.
The Real Process for a Free Identity Card
Obtaining an identity card is almost always free. First, you need to visit the official website: ants.gouv.fr, which belongs to the ANTS (National Agency for Secured Documents). There, you can make your online pre-application at no cost.
Next, you need to make an appointment at your local town hall. There, you will complete your application with a photo, proof of residence, and your old identity card. If you no longer have your old card or if it is damaged, you may need to pay a 25-euro tax stamp.
However, you can purchase this stamp online or at a tobacco shop. Make sure you buy it from an authorized seller. If you follow all these steps, you’ll receive your new card without falling into a trap.
How to Identify Fake Sites and Avoid Traps
Scammers are clever. They know how to mimic real websites. But there are signs that can help you spot them. First, carefully check the website address. The real official site for the identity card is ants.gouv.fr. If the address is different, like cni-fra.fr, it’s not legitimate.
Also, be cautious if the site asks for upfront payment, especially for a service that is typically free. An official site will never ask you for 39 euros just to fill out a form.
If you’re unsure, talk to an adult or an official at the town hall. It’s better to ask a question than to lose money. Always remain vigilant online, even if everything seems legitimate.
What to Do If You’ve Already Fallen for the Scam
If you have already made a payment on the cni-fra.fr site, don’t panic. It’s not your fault; the scam is very well executed. First, do not pay anything further. Then, you can contact your bank to explain what happened.
Your bank may assist you in blocking the payment or recovering your money. You can also report the site on the official government website: internet-signalement.gouv.fr. This helps protect others from falling into the same trap. And above all, make sure to carry out your application on the correct site, ants.gouv.fr.
