A new scam involving fake QR codes on parking meters is circulating in Nice. Although the city has taken steps to combat the crime, officials are urging citizens to be vigilant and only use the official PayByPhone app when paying for parking spaces.
Using QR codes to pay for parking has become commonplace as fewer people carry cash and many prefer the convenience of using their smartphones. However, this digital transition does come with some risks.
In the last few days, reports of fraudulent QR codes on parking meters in Nice have surfaced, prompting the authorities to take action. Despite their efforts, however, a number of citizens have already fallen victim to the scam.
The phishing scheme involves placing fake QR codes on parking meters, which direct users to a website mimicking the official PayByPhone site. Once on the fraudulent site, criminals can access their victims’ personal and banking information, enabling them to withdraw funds from their accounts. These fake QR codes are often placed just below the instructions for installing the mobile app, making them difficult to detect.
To ensure that payments are secure, the municipality of Nice is advising people to only download the PayByPhone app from trusted sources, such as the Apple Store or Google Play.
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