"I was startled": Fake technicians are knocking at home, here's how to protect yourself

In 2025, the phenomenon continues. Fake technicians are still trying to break into your home to burgle or conduct reconnaissance, warns the Numérama website. Which profiles should alert you at your door? How can you protect yourself? Here's what you need to know.

Fiber technician scam spreads

You're spending your afternoon at home when suddenly, someone rings your intercom. When you open the door, you see one or two individuals in work clothes, with a vest and a logo of a well-known telephone company (such as Orange, Bouygues Telecom, or SFR). These fake technicians inform you that they're coming to perform checks related to your fiber optic connection.

With profiles you consider credible, you may be surprised, but let these so-called technicians into your home. After all, the people in front of you seem serious and professional. It's at this precise moment that you unwittingly make a mistake that could cost you dearly. They will then scout the premises for a possible second visit, or take advantage of the situation to elude you and take immediate action.

"I realized at the last moment that it could be a scam."

Fiber technicians aren't the only cases identified by attempted intrusions into your home. Planet spoke with Marie (she didn't want to give her name), 57, who was almost trapped by fake technicians who came to check her Linky meter . "I was working from home that day, when I saw a small van park in front of my house. Two men got out, dressed like everyone else, without uniforms or any distinguishing marks. They hesitated for a moment before ringing, which already seemed strange to me." Once at the door, they ask her if she has a Linky meter and explain that they need to carry out a check. Marie immediately notices that no information was given to her beforehand: no call, no email, no letter about the technicians' arrival.

She decides not to let them in and instead speaks to them through the door. "I jumped in fear, luckily I did the right thing," this active fifty-something tells us. She also notices the complete absence of any logo or writing on the van, another detail that confirms her intuition. Thanks to her vigilance, she most likely avoided an attempted burglary. The scammers never returned to her home. Discover our tips for spotting a fake home technician in the slideshow below.