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Date Published: 13/12/2022
ARCHIVED - Beware the false parking fine scam in Spain that could cost you dearly
The scammers have been leaving fake tickets on car wind shields across Spain
It’s all rush, rush, rush this time of year as people make preparations for Christmas and when we’re under pressure, it’s not unheard of to park the car in a loading bay while we nip into the shops, or put the pedal to the metal once too often to make up a bit of time. It’s no surprise then that traffic violations and in particular, parking fines, tend to skyrocket in Spain during the festive season, but a new scam doing the rounds could cost you more than just a few euros.
The latest swindle has originated in Madrid but the traffic authorities believe it has spread all over Spain by now. With this con, drivers have returned to their car only to find a parking ticket tacked onto their wind shield. Nothing too unusual there. However, these parking fines have one key difference to the real ones issued by the DGT: a QR code.
At first glance, the tickets look legitimate enough: they bear the city council logo, details and a code for the infraction, the fine amount and the reduced amount for early payment. The QR code is what should alert motorists to the fact that it’s a scam, and it’s designed to glean all kinds of personal information if you make the mistake of scanning it.
Si te han dejado esta "multa" en tu parabrisas no te alarmes, ES FALSA@MADRID aclara que ningún boletín de denuncia de Policía Municipal, Agentes de Movilidad o controladores del SER incorpora códigos QR
— Policía Nacional (@policia) December 10, 2022
Sigue respetando las normas de circulación 😉😉 https://t.co/MorPOLvuoT pic.twitter.com/JZwSQDnRqD
If in doubt, the DGT has detailed the key ways to distinguish between a genuine traffic ticket and the con:
- Real fines don’t ever contain QR codes, and the fake fines also contain no information on how to pay.
- Genuine tickets offer far more detailed information about the traffic violation.
- The back of the fake fine is completely blank.
- Finally, the traffic authorities in Spain simply don’t leave fines on car wind shields; they are always sent via email or post.
Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group or regular updates
Image: Guardia Civil
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