Authorities in Monaco are urging vigilance after fraudulent QR code stickers were discovered on several of the Principality’s surface parking meters—part of a wider international trend of similar scams…
In Monaco, 19 of the 86 parking meters across the territory were found to have been targeted, each displaying a fake QR code designed to redirect users to malicious payment websites.
All parking meters were inspected and the stickers have now been removed. Officials stress that none of Monaco’s parking meters use QR codes for payment under any circumstance.
This type of fraud has also been reported abroad. In Aberdeen, Scotland, fake QR codes were recently found on parking machines, linking users to a counterfeit PayByPhone website. Aberdeen City Council confirmed the issue had been reported to Police Scotland and reminded the public that QR codes are not used on their meters—mirroring the situation in Monaco.
Drivers in the Principality are reminded that the only authorised payment methods are PayByPhone, Monapass, coins, and credit or debit cards (including contactless). Anyone who suspects they may have scanned a fraudulent code or entered personal details on a fake site is strongly encouraged to contact the Direction de la Sûreté Publique.
Authorities emphasise that meters remain fully operational, but public awareness is essential to counter this growing international scam.
