Warning to Translators and Interpreters: A New Emotional and Financial Scam Targeting Our Profession

 

In recent months, a new form of scam has emerged, targeting sworn translators and interpreters with increasing frequency. This scam blends emotional manipulation, false urgency, and vague payment promises, all designed to undermine our professional integrity and extract unpaid work or sensitive data.

How the scam works:

1.     The scammer contacts you with a seemingly simple request — often the translation of a birth certificate or similar.

2.   They ask for a quote and express urgency, giving the impression of trust.

3.   After receiving a fair and transparent quote, they begin to negotiate, claiming they can’t afford the full price:

“That’s exactly what I have left in my bank account...”

4.   They "accept" your offer but later contradict themselves, pretending a lower amount was agreed, aiming to destabilize you.

5.    When confronted, they reply vaguely, play the victim, or try to make you feel guilty — and in some cases, vanish with preliminary translations or your professional details.

What’s at risk:

• Identity theft (your name or accreditation being used to deceive others)
• Unpaid work (they may trick you into sending drafts without payment)
• Sensitive information leaks (such as your bank details or signature)
• Reputation damage (they could impersonate you to others)

How to protect yourself:

• Never lower your prices out of pity. Your professional value is not negotiable.
• Always require full payment in advance — no exceptions.
• Do not send drafts or signed versions before payment is received.
• Keep records of all communications, including timestamps and email headers.
• Report the attempt to cybermalveillance.gouv.fr or the French financial intelligence unit (TRACFIN) if money laundering is suspected.
• Notify your Court of Appeal if someone is using your sworn translator credentials without permission.

Final thoughts:

Empathy must not override prudence. We are not charities — we are professionals. Staying informed and connected is the best way to defend our profession against these increasingly subtle scams.

If you’ve experienced something similar, please share your story. Together, we can make our community more resilient.

SAISI