The French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs (FFCAM), also known as the French Alpine Club (CAF), has fallen victim to a CEO fraud scam, losing more than €380,000 in November. The incident was first reported by Le Dauphiné Libéré and later confirmed by the federation.
Founded in 1874, the FFCAM is the oldest mountaineering organization in France. The scam began on November 6, when one of the federation’s employees received an email appearing to come from FFCAM president Charles Van der Elst. The message described an “extremely urgent” and confidential financial transaction and provided contact details for a supposed lawyer.
According to Van der Elst, the individual reached by phone was highly convincing. Over the course of two days, nearly 60 emails were exchanged between the employee and the fraudster. Ultimately, two bank transfers were authorized, totaling €383,510.
“The employee was genuinely convinced. The scammer or scammers completely manipulated her,” Van der Elst said. Suspicion only arose after a weekend break, when the fraudsters attempted to obtain a third transfer. The employee then alerted her line manager, and the fraud was uncovered.
Despite efforts made with the banks, the transfers had already been completed and could not be reversed. Van der Elst said hopes of recovering the money are slim. “We will see whether the police investigation leads to the dismantling of this network, but I don’t believe the funds will be recovered,” he said.
A criminal complaint has been filed, and an investigation has been opened and assigned to the Brigade for Fraud Involving Means of Payment (BFMP).
“This is a heavy blow for the federation,” Van der Elst said. “On a human level, it is difficult for many employees, because everyone feels responsible.” He emphasized that no individual employee is being blamed, instead pointing to weaknesses in the organization’s internal security procedures.
Since the incident, emergency measures have been implemented to strengthen payment security, including the introduction of a mandatory dual electronic signature for all bank transfers, a safeguard that was not previously in place.
According to the federation’s leadership, the loss will be absorbed within the FFCAM’s operating budget and will not affect ongoing projects. The federation, which represents nearly 108,000 members, operates on an annual budget of approximately €14 million.
In July, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) had already warned sports organizations about the growing number of CEO fraud scams targeting institutions nationwide.