The bogus release claimed the construction giant would be restating its accounts and sacking its chief finance officer.
The hoax statement was reported online sending the share price on the French stock market into a tailspin.
Vinci moved quickly to deny the claims in the false release.
A statement said: “A fake press release was published today.
“VINCI denies formally all the information contained in this fake press release and is investigating all legal actions in furtherance thereof.”
Following the denial the company’s share price swiftly recovered to finish the day 4% down.