FURTHER EXPLANATION · 2 MIN READ
A familiar name is not yet confirmation
On 17 September 2026, Notaire.be warned about fake messages regarding so-called shared notarial documents. This is a recent warning about a specific type of fraud, not a change in notarial law. The messages mimic familiar styling and try to pressure the recipient into visiting a counterfeit website.
This campaign asks on that site for an email address and password. Afterwards, a redirect even to the genuine website may occur. That, however, does not make the initial request safe. According to the warning, it is imitation, not an established intrusion into the systems of the Belgian notariat.
Take one independent step
Suppose you are expecting a draft deed and receive a message about available documents. That fits your expectations but proves nothing about the authenticity of that one message. In case of doubt, open the known channel yourself or call the office. Do not use the phone number in the suspicious email. Replies to that email also do not provide independent confirmation.
Check not only the name at the top but also the real web address where the link leads. An extra word, subdomain or different domain can lead to another organisation. Safeonweb advises searching for the correct website yourself. Do not let a short announced availability period force you to enter security details.
Clicked or disclosed something?
Stop the interaction. If you have entered a password, change it immediately via the genuine account and also on other services where the same password is used. In case of disclosed card details, notify Card Stop immediately at 078 170 170. For bank details or a suspicious payment, contact your bank directly. In case of financial loss, a police report is also required.
Forward the suspicious message to verdacht@safeonweb.be. Keep what you have received and done so that you can explain the sequence of events correctly. These steps do not guarantee reimbursement but enable targeted follow-up. Seek help from someone you trust if necessary; do not continue based on instructions from the suspicious sender.
What we can check for your file
Notariaat Wellens can verify whether the message, document or payment instruction really comes from your file. Mention your file or the involved transaction and the time of the email. Do not share passwords, PIN codes or login codes. If you doubt a message that appears to come from our office, contact us directly via our known contact details.