How to Avoid the Windshield Note and Fine Scam

A stressful morning rush to work or dropping kids at school often means we overlook regulated zones or parking meter time limits. This can make it easier for scammers to exploit the situation, using tactics that initially seem responsible and well-intentioned to gain our personal data or money.

This scam, which has gone viral on platforms like TikTok thanks to accounts like Andrés Millán (@lawtips), starts when the driver finds a dent in their car, usually on the side mirror, along with an apology note on the windshield that includes a phone number.

When contacting the supposed responsible party, they ask to continue the conversation via WhatsApp, claiming they will handle the incident with their insurance. However, their real aim is to obtain personal information or money through fraudulent means.

Experts from Parclick warn that if you find a note indicating someone hit your car, you should try to verify the damage and contact your insurer directly before communicating with the supposed responsible party.

Do not share personal information via WhatsApp: No legitimate insurer will ask for personal data or handle claims through instant messaging apps. If you suspect fraud, it's best to report it to the authorities or your insurer. It's better to be safe than sorry, and acting quickly reduces the risk of identity theft or financial loss.

If you park in regulated areas like SER in Madrid or AREA in Barcelona, it's essential to manage parking meter payments correctly. Parclick allows payment through its app, where users can extend parking times with a single click in Madrid or stop timers remotely in Barcelona, enabling city life without worrying about fines or searching for parking meter kiosks when time is tight.

Opting for secure parking is also an excellent recommendation, especially in unfamiliar or highly crowded areas.

If you find a fine on your windshield, review all details carefully: location, date, time, and reason for the penalty. If you spot any errors or inconsistencies, you might have grounds to appeal it. If you believe the fine is unjust, you have the right to appeal it with the relevant authorities. It's important to gather evidence like photos of the location, witness statements, or other documents that can support your appeal. And if you decide not to appeal, remember that many cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer a 50% discount for early payment if made within the first 20 calendar days.

On the other hand, if you receive a text message or email notifying you of unpaid traffic fines, someone is likely trying to scam you using the supposed identity of the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).

This organization has issued an alert warning of mass text and email messages sent to citizens about unpaid fines.

The Directorate-General for Traffic never notifies infractions via SMS or email. They only communicate through postal mail or the Electronic Road Address if registered.

They recommend that if you receive such an SMS, delete it immediately. Never click on the indicated link or interact with it. If received by email, mark it as "spam" and move it to the trash.

In both cases, it's recommended to contact INCIBE (National Cybersecurity Institute) through their website https://www.incibe.es/ciudadania/ayuda/reporte-de-fraude to report the fraud. INCIBE-CERT is the Security Incident Response Center for citizens and private entities in Spain and provides an email inbox on their website for cybersecurity incidents along with a contact form.