Scam Alert in Alicante: Fake Fine Notices with Fraudulent QR Codes Placed on Parked Cars

New scam alert in the city of Alicante. Several affected users have reported receiving fake fine notices on their car windshields. The notice, which features the names of both the Alicante City Council and the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), includes a QR code leading to a fraudulent payment page.

Users have reported the placement of these notices in the city centre, in areas such as Mercado, Benito Pérez Galdós, or Castaños, according to TodoAlicante. The fake fine mimics a penalty for parking in a restricted area and urges payment of 140 euros or 70% if paid promptly.

From the Alicante City Council they have warned of this new scam via their social media channels. The council informs citizens that several fake notices have been found on car windshields in the city centre, although they do not rule out the possibility of them appearing in other areas of Alicante.

The City Council urges citizens "not to scan the QR and not to enter personal or banking information." In fact, affected individuals report that the code leads to a payment gateway requesting payment details.

The fake notice shows a fine for "parking on or next to a refuge, island, median, or traffic channeling elements," corresponding to traffic order number 62. The scam uses the urgency of a half-price discount to entice citizens into the trap.

It is recommended to check official channels before making any payment and to ensure that the fine is issued by the security forces.