Drivers in Bucharest are being warned about a new type of fraud targeting parking payments. Local authorities report the appearance of fake QR codes placed on parking meters, which can lead to financial losses and compromised banking data.

The issue has recently been identified in several busy areas of the city, and officials say investigations are underway in cooperation with the relevant authorities.

Fake QR codes on parking meters, a new fraud method

According to official information, some parking meters have been tampered with by adding stickers containing fake QR codes. These codes redirect users to fraudulent websites that mimic official payment platforms, creating the impression of a legitimate transaction.

In reality, these pages request sensitive information such as card number, expiration date, and CVC code. The payment is not processed, the parking is not actually paid, and the data entered may be used for fraudulent purposes. Authorities emphasize that parking meters in Bucharest do not use QR codes for payments.

What authorities recommend to avoid fraud

Representatives of Bucharest City Hall advise drivers to be extremely cautious about the payment methods they use and to avoid scanning QR codes from parking meters, regardless of the area.

To prevent such incidents, only official payment methods should be used, such as SMS payments, dedicated mobile apps, or authorized online platforms. Cash payments can be made only through recognized terminals, such as SelfPay stations.

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No on-site collectors and a call for vigilance

Authorities also remind the public that there are no longer authorized personnel collecting parking fees in person. This system has been discontinued, and any payment requests from individuals should be treated with suspicion.

At the same time, efforts are underway to identify those responsible for placing the fraudulent QR codes and to remove them. Until the situation is fully resolved, drivers are advised to carefully verify any payment method and use only official channels to avoid potential financial losses.

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