The municipality of The Hague is warning of fake QR codes on parking meters. Stickers with fake codes have been found since last week. Scammers are trying to steal money and bank details using these stickers. Municipal enforcement officers are aware of this fraud and are actively checking the meters for counterfeit stickers.
The municipality itself does not offer QR codes as a parking payment method. Payment can only be made at the parking meter with your debit card, by inserting the card into the machine, or using contactless payment. Parking can also be paid for through an authorized parking provider app.
Well-known trick
Scanning such a QR code takes you to a website where you’re asked for bank details. Anyone who enters these details risks having their account stolen. Incidentally, stickers aren’t just being placed on parking meters. Fake stickers designed to defraud people have also been found on electric car charging stations.
This fraud has previously also appeared in other cities, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Maastricht and Sittard-Geleen.
Be alert
A fake QR code can often be recognized by the sticker being loosely attached to the machine or by its unusual appearance. After scanning the QR code, it redirects to a website that looks strange or isn’t the official payment platform.
The municipality advises against scanning QR codes on parking meters. If you see a suspicious sticker, please report it by calling 14070 or through the municipality’s social media channels.
Text & Photo: Gemeente Den Haag.
Photo: A sticker with a fake QR code on a parking meter.