The Monaco Mairie has issued a public alert after fraudulent QR code stickers were discovered on 19 parking meters across the Principality.

The scam, detected on Thursday, involved fake QR codes being placed on selected meters to trick users into scanning them and making payments on malicious websites. The fraud targets users of Monaco’s surface-level parking system, and although it has occurred before — notably in October 2024 — this latest incident involved nearly a quarter of the city’s 86 machines.

All meters have since been checked and the counterfeit stickers removed, while the Mairie has assured that Municipal Police agents will continue to carry out inspections to ensure the fraud has been completely eradicated.

Authorities are reminding the public that no parking meters in Monaco feature QR code payment options. Valid methods of payments are only PayByPhone, Monapass, coins, credit or contactless card.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to the scam is urged to contact the Direction de la Sûreté Publique. The Mairie will also be filing an official complaint and is calling for the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent attempts.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco