Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fake CAPTCHAs, tricked QR codes, fraudulent websites... Scammers are competing in ingenuity to circumvent protections and trap their victims. Among these dubious practices, some platforms offer divorces for... slashed price.
Cybercriminals exploit every possible flaw to deceive Internet users. Some use fake CAPTCHAs to bypass advanced protections, while others hide malicious instructions in QR codes to steal data. On social media, fake customer service accounts redirect victims to fraudulent sites designed to steal their personal information. In this context, the legal field is not spared, and many sites promising quick and cheap divorces turn out to be scams.
Since 2017, divorces by mutual consent no longer require going before a judge, which has allowed the emergence of numerous online services. These platforms promise simple and inexpensive procedures, sometimes for less than 200 euros per spouse. But behind these attractive prices often lie hidden fees or questionable practices. One couple reported paying €269 each to initiate the process, only to learn that the total amount to be paid ultimately reached €1,058 per person. This amount ultimately comes close to that of a traditional divorce, but without the guarantees of genuine legal support.
Low-cost online divorces deceive many couples
While some services are reputable, others do not comply with the law. A divorce cannot be carried out entirely online because the law requires a physical meeting with a lawyer to sign the final agreement. However, several platforms avoid this step by simply exchanging information by telephone or email. Worse still, some sites don't even have qualified lawyers: “At best, they are lawyers or interns, but sometimes they are neither,“ explains a lawyer at the Paris bar.
The scam can have serious consequences. Once the divorce is signed, it is impossible to go back, even if the spouses were poorly advised. Some find themselves deprived of compensatory benefits or discover too late errors regarding child custody or the division of property. Before taking the plunge, it is essential to check that the service is properly managed by registered lawyers and to avoid overly tempting offers. If in doubt, it is recommended to report the site to the DGCCRF to prevent others from falling into the trap.
Source: LeParisien
0 Comments