A simple QR code on a parking meter could cost you dearly. In Marseille, fraudsters have stuck fake stickers on official devices to trick motorists. Here's how to avoid falling into the trap.
QR Codes have become a part of our daily lives, facilitating payments, connections and quick access to services. But their popularity also attracts scammers. Since the health crisis, fraud using fake QR Codes has been on the rise in France. They have become a discreet way to deceive users, particularly in public places such as parking lots, where vigilance is often lower. This morning, April 14, 2025, in Marseille, SAGS agents, working for Q-Park France, spotted fake QR Codes stuck on parking meters in the Vauban district. These fraudulent stickers, imitating the company's official logo, were intended to: redirect drivers to fake payment sites to recover their banking details. A verification operation has been launched throughout the paid parking zone to secure the facilities.
Scammers are sticking fake QR Codes on parking meters in Marseille to steal your banking details
QR Code scams are nothing new. Already in 2024, several reports mentioned similar fraud at electric charging stations or in investment magazines. Scammers use codes of this type to bypass security systems and obtain sensitive information directly. In Marseille, authorities remind that only official apps such as Pay By Phone, FlowbirdApp, or Timo should be used, downloaded exclusively through official stores. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is recommended to never scan a QR Code stuck on a parking meter. If in doubt, it is better to manually enter the service address or use the official app installed on your smartphone. If you come across a suspicious code, it is important to report it immediately to SAGS Marseille, either by phone at 03 85 20 43 15, or by email at [emailprotected]. Faced with the rise of these phishing methods, a simple act of vigilance can avoid a lot of unpleasantness.
Source: sags marseille
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