By Yasmine EDDAM
4 May 2025
Trust is at the heart of commercial relations. Whether buying a product or subscribing to a service, consumers and professionals alike legitimately expect the information provided to be accurate and the service or good to be as promised. However, certain economic players may be tempted to breach this obligation of loyalty in order to increase their profits. French law severely punishes such behaviour through the offence of deception, an offence designed to protect the integrity of transactions and the sincerity of the consent of co-contracting parties. Understanding the contours of this offence, its constituent elements and the penalties incurred is essential for any economic operator wishing to secure its practices and avoid potentially far-reaching legal proceedings. This article details the fundamental aspects of deception in French commercial law. For an overview of commercial fraud...
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