Attention: Fake QR codes discovered at parking machines in Lower Saxony!

Attention: Fake QR codes discovered at parking machines in Lower Saxony!

A few days ago, the police in Lower Saxony warned of a scam that targets drivers. Fake QR codes were found at parking machines in Braunschweig, Goslar, Hanover and Celle, which aim to defraud unsuspecting users of their money. The police reported an incident in the “Alte Markthalle” parking lot in Braunschweig, where a manipulated QR code was placed above the official code. Anyone who scanned this code was redirected directly to a questionable website from the Dominican Republic without any financial loss.

However, a case in Goslar shows that not everyone got off so lightly. After scanning a fake QR code, a four-digit amount was debited from a user's account. Only by acting quickly could the financial loss be prevented. This manipulation shows how important it is to be vigilant when making cashless payments. The police therefore advise you to be particularly careful.

What is the background?

The fraud attempts using fake QR codes are not just limited to Braunschweig. According to the police warning, other cities such as Bad Harzburg and Celle are also reporting similar incidents. Unknown perpetrators cover official QR codes with their own stickers, which lead users to fraudulent websites, often based abroad. The state of Lower Saxony is currently particularly affected. The local authorities have already informed the local administration to ensure safety at the parking machines.

The police encourage the public to pay particular attention to manipulative QR codes and to report suspicious stickers or machines immediately. If users come into contact with cashless payments, they should only use tested apps and, if in doubt, prefer to pay in cash.

Tips for protection

Although pre-fraud actions are not uncommon, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. The Lower Saxony Consumer Center recommends being particularly careful when scanning QR codes and finding out about the security of the respective website. If anything is unclear, you can seek advice on consumer law issues. However, the free short consultation list is limited to specific topics and does not cover disputes between private individuals or other legal matters.

At a time when cashless payments are becoming increasingly popular, it is important not only to rely on technical systems, but also to take your own precautionary measures. Remember: a good hand when paying protects against unpleasant surprises! If you spot a suspicious QR code, don't hesitate to report it to the police.

Stay vigilant and share this information with others so that no one falls for the scammers' tricks!

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