Both through messages and QR codes, drivers are directed to fake payment websites that aim to steal bank card or other personal data. Darius Povilaitis, a cybersecurity expert at Telia, states that scammers often target everyday situations and services that people use regularly.
“Drivers use parking services daily, so a message about an alleged debt of a few euros may seem completely plausible to many. Scammers take advantage of this. They create a sense of urgency, threaten with significantly higher fines, and aim for the person to make a decision without considering all the circumstances,” says D. Povilaitis.
According to him, a recent trend is observed where criminals use several channels simultaneously. Some residents receive SMS messages with links to fake websites, while others notice QR codes stuck on parking meters, which also lead to deceptive payment pages.
“It is essentially the same scam scheme, just in different forms. By scanning a QR code or clicking a link, a person can end up on a page that visually looks very similar to official parking service providers’ systems. Such websites usually ask to enter bank card details or login information, which is later used for financial crimes,” explains the expert.
Check on the official website
D. Povilaitis points out that official parking service providers usually do not encourage making payments through unclear links or randomly found QR codes. Therefore, before making a payment, it is recommended to verify the information only in official apps or websites.
“If you receive a message about a parking debt, first open the parking app you use or independently visit the official service provider’s website. Never click links from unexpected messages and do not scan QR codes unless you are completely sure of their origin. Scammers increasingly invest in professionally looking pages, so appearance alone can no longer be trusted,” emphasizes the Telia cybersecurity expert.
According to him, these cases also reflect a general trend where scammers constantly look for new ways to exploit public trust in well-known brands and institutions. Therefore, the most important protection remains users’ vigilance, critical assessment, and caution when making any online payments. Additional security tools also contribute to safety: browser-integrated anti-phishing features, antivirus programs, and solutions like Telia Safe, which can warn users about potentially dangerous websites.
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