What is confirmed
Le Monde cites internal notarial and ANSSI documents estimating around 500 offices affected and €35–40 million diverted over several years.
The investigation describes substituted bank details and access to office networks; this was not a single incident in September 2026.
What it means
Bank instructions inside an existing email thread can be fraudulent if the mailbox or document was compromised.
An authentic-looking deed or invoice does not automatically validate the payee.
What to do
Before a property transfer, confirm the notary's bank details by calling a number obtained independently.
If a transfer seems suspicious, promptly contact your bank and the office through established channels to seek a recall.
Use the related SecurCheck tool, then confirm important decisions with an official source.
