Online courses: behind the promises of success, a dream industry under scrutiny

They promise to make you rich through online business, to make a living from artificial intelligence, to earn thousands of euros on social media, or to change careers in just a few weeks. These training programs appear in YouTube ads, TikTok videos, private messages, and unsolicited emails. Their pitch often follows the same pattern: the trainer recounts having left an ordinary life behind, showcases the supposed results of their students, and then presents their method as an exceptional opportunity. The training is no longer sold as an education, but as a shortcut to financial freedom.

Not all online courses are fraudulent, of course. Some allow you to acquire genuine skills and prepare for a recognized certification. But the market also attracts sellers whose main talent lies in advertising. The sums involved are considerable: 1,39 million applications were validated on the Mon Compte Formation (My Training Account) platform in 2024, representing €2,46 billion in purchases. Since November 2019, more than €12 billion has been spent on these courses, according to data from the Caisse des Dépôts (French public sector financial institution). This vast amount of public and private money makes it an ideal target for aggressive salespeople.

Sales techniques designed to prevent reflection

The sales funnel typically begins with a free video, a downloadable guide, or a presentation touted as exceptional. The prospect is then asked to provide their email address and phone number. Follow-up emails multiply, accompanied by countdown timers, limited-time discounts, and spectacular, unverifiable testimonials. Some salespeople claim that only a few spots remain, even though their training program is based on pre-recorded videos with unlimited access. Others twist the customer's hesitation into a personal weakness: if they refuse to pay, it's supposedly because they lack self-confidence or aren't ready to succeed.

Official inspections show that these abuses are not limited to a few isolated cases. In an investigation of 165 coaching professionals and training organizations, the DGCCRF (French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) identified at least one irregularity in nearly 80% of the organizations inspected. Approximately 20% used business practices likely to mislead consumers, particularly regarding diplomas held, qualifications, or expected results. In the broader field of commercial influence, more than 300 content creators were inspected in 2022 and 2023, and nearly half presented an irregularity. The main infraction concerned the lack of a clear indication of the advertising nature of the posts, according to the DGCCRF.

Spam related to the CPF (Personal Training Account) is now prohibited.

Since 2022, commercial solicitation regarding the Personal Training Account (CPF) has been prohibited in France. Organizations are therefore not allowed to send text messages, emails, social media messages, or phone calls to pressure individuals into using their training rights. Offering gifts, computer equipment, or money in exchange for registration is also forbidden. The official Mon Compte Formation website reminds users that government agencies, the Caisse des Dépôts (a public financial institution), and La Poste (the French postal service) never contact users to purchase training or create their digital identity. An unsolicited message mentioning a "CPF balance to be used quickly" should therefore be considered a major red flag.

Even Qualiopi certification should not be interpreted as an absolute guarantee of a course's educational value. The Ministry of Labor clarifies that it primarily attests to the quality of the process implemented by the provider and that it grants access to public funding. It does not guarantee employment, the trainer's actual skill level, or the income advertised. A survey by the Dares (French Directorate for Research, Studies and Statistics) shows that over 60% of organizations participating in Qualiopi considered eligibility for public funds their primary objective. Since April 2024, the government has been attempting to limit shell companies, certification brokerage, and cascading subcontracting.

Stricter regulations, but still lagging behind marketing

Since April 2026, influencers promoting publicly funded training programs must clearly state the public source of funding, eligibility requirements, and any commitments imposed on trainees. This information must remain visible for at least 90% of the duration of any promotional video or image. Enforcement is also on the rise: 237 organizations were delisted for fraud in 2025, and since 2019, 135 criminal complaints have been filed against 214 organizations, according to a Senate report. These figures reveal the scale of the oversight work, but also the sector's ability to quickly create new structures and campaigns.

Before making any purchase, you must verify the seller's legal identity, their SIRET number (French business registration number), the detailed program, the actual duration of the courses, the instructors' qualifications, the certification being prepared, and the refund policy. Testimonials shared by the trainer are never a substitute for verifiable results. A promise of guaranteed income, pressure to pay immediately, a permanently crossed-out price, unsolicited contact, or a request for FranceConnect credentials should lead you to abandon the process. The main danger of this industry is not just selling overpriced videos: it lies in creating the impression that professional failure stems from a lack of willpower on the part of the student, when the product being sold has sometimes never been able to deliver on its promises.