Sanctions for Bloctel violations have exploded in 2024-2025. DGCCRF (France's consumer protection agency) has clearly toughened its stance. Here's what you need to know to avoid being next on the list.
Key Sanction Figures 2024-2025
| Indicator | 2023 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of inspections | 2,100 | 3,400 | +62% |
| Sanctions issued | 180 | 340 | +89% |
| Total fine amount | €4.2M | €8.7M | +107% |
| Average fine | €23,300 | €25,600 | +10% |
| Maximum fine issued | €150,000 | €375,000 | +150% |
Landmark Cases 2024-2025
Case #1: Energy Renovation Company — €375,000
Sector: Energy renovation / Insulation
Violation: Mass calling Bloctel-registered numbers
Aggravating factors:
- Repeat offense (already sanctioned in 2023)
- Misleading scripts (fake government grants)
- Over 50,000 non-compliant calls documented
Lesson: Repeat offenses are heavily sanctioned. A first fine doesn't protect against a much more severe second one.
Case #2: B2C Call Center — €280,000
Sector: Multi-client telemarketing
Violation: Systematic failure to check Bloctel + non-compliant hours
Aggravating factors:
- Weekend and after 8pm calls
- Total absence of compliance procedures
- Refusal to cooperate with investigators
Lesson: Cumulative violations (Bloctel + hours) multiply sanctions.
Case #3: Insurance Broker — €125,000
Sector: Insurance
Violation: Calling from purchased unverified files
Aggravating factors:
- Files containing Bloctel numbers
- No consent traceability
- Aggressive practices reported by consumers
Lesson: Buying files doesn't exempt you from checking Bloctel. Responsibility remains with the caller.
Case #4: Telecom Operator — €95,000
Sector: Telecommunications
Violation: Calling customers who refused to be recontacted
Circumstances:
- Opposition expressed during previous call ignored
- Internal database not updated
Lesson: A prospect's refusal must be recorded and respected, regardless of Bloctel.
Sanction Scale
Fines are calculated based on several criteria:
For Legal Entities (Companies)
| Severity | Amount | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | €1,500 - €15,000 | Isolated violation, good faith demonstrated |
| Medium | €15,000 - €75,000 | Repeated violations, negligence |
| Serious | €75,000 - €150,000 | Systematic practices, bad faith |
| Very serious | €150,000 - €375,000 | Repeat offense, refusal to cooperate, significant harm |
For Individuals (Executives)
Executives can be personally sanctioned:
- Fine up to €75,000
- Prohibition from exercising in certain cases
Most Sanctioned Sectors
| Sector | % of sanctions | Average fine |
|---|---|---|
| Energy renovation | 28% | €45,000 |
| CPF training | 22% | €62,000 |
| Insurance | 18% | €35,000 |
| Telecom/Internet | 12% | €28,000 |
| Energy (suppliers) | 10% | €41,000 |
| Other | 10% | €18,000 |
Renovation and CPF sectors are DGCCRF's priority targets.
How Are Violations Detected?
1. Consumer Reports
- Via 33700 (SMS)
- Via Signal Conso (DGCCRF platform)
- Via consumer associations
2. Proactive Inspections
- Legal phone monitoring
- Carrier metadata analysis
- On-site inspections (call centers)
3. Data Cross-Referencing
- Bloctel list vs company call records
- Call times vs authorized hours
- Call frequency vs legal limit
Costly Mistakes
Mistake #1: "We check Bloctel once a month"
Risk: New registrations not taken into account
Requirement: Check before each campaign, minimum monthly
Mistake #2: "Our contractor handles Bloctel"
Risk: You remain responsible as the principal
Requirement: Verify the contractor actually meets obligations
Mistake #3: "We only call customers"
Risk: A customer can register on Bloctel
Exception: Only calls related to an ongoing contract are exempt
Mistake #4: "Our files are clean, the supplier guaranteed it"
Risk: Supplier guarantees don't protect you
Requirement: You must verify yourself via Bloctel Pro
How to Protect Yourself
1. Implement a Documented Procedure
- Systematic Bloctel verification (with proof)
- Call register
- Team training
2. Use the Right Tools
- Bloctel Pro: mandatory for verification
- CRM with Bloctel integration: automation
- Reputation monitoring: anticipate problems
Check our complete guide on Bloctel 2025 rules.
3. Train Teams
Every salesperson must know:
- Authorized hours
- Prohibited sectors
- Procedure when refused
- General best practices
FAQ
Can a Bloctel fine be contested?
Yes, before the administrative court within 2 months. But contests rarely succeed (less than 10% success rate) if violation evidence is solid.
Is the fine made public?
Sometimes. DGCCRF can decide to publish the sanctioned company's name ("name and shame"), especially for serious or repeat cases.
Does a Bloctel fine affect my bank credit?
Not directly, but it appears in accounts and can be seen during an audit. Large amounts can affect cash flow and partner perception.
To avoid these sanctions, make sure you comply with all the rules detailed in our article Bloctel 2025: what changes for businesses. And check the GDPR framework for phone marketing.
Conclusion
Bloctel sanctions are no longer symbolic. With fines reaching €375,000 and an increasingly active DGCCRF, the financial risk of non-compliance has become real.
Bloctel compliance is no longer optional but an economic necessity. The cost of a compliance procedure (a few hundred euros/month) is negligible compared to fine risk.
Protect your business: check your numbers and practices with HUHU.
⚠️ Disclaimer:<\/strong> The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. Regulations change regularly and their interpretation may vary. HUHU is not a law firm. We recommend consulting a legal professional for any questions regarding your specific situation.<\/em><\/p>
