Wrong QR code at the parking machine: Schwerin citizens in danger!

Ein falscher QR-Code an einem Parkautomaten in Schwerin sorgt für Verwirrung und potenziellen Betrug. Erfahren Sie mehr über die Vorfälle.
A false QR code on a parking machine in Schwerin causes confusion and potential fraud. Find out more about the incidents. (Symbolbild/MND)

Wrong QR code at the parking machine: Schwerin citizens in danger!

Demmlerplatz, 19053 Schwerin, Deutschland - In the quiet city of Schwerin, an incident on a parking machine causes excitement. Dr. Peter Renner from Schleswig-Holstein had difficulties with the QR code at a machine at Demmlerplatz. After entering his data, he ultimately decided to pay the parking fee in a classic way with coins. But that wasn't the end of the story yet. Shortly thereafter, he received news from his online payment service, which informed about debit for dubious subscriptions. What was going on here?

Renner immediately informed the municipal regulatory office, which immediately informed the responsible bodies. The Schwerin local transport, which looks after the 138 parking machines in the city, took over the research. Mathias Kühnel, Head of Technology in local transport, announced that all machines were checked. At the machine in question, however, an old QR code sticker from Park Now, the former cooperation partner, was found, even if local transport has been working with Easy Park since 2022, the current operator. Kühnel explained that the old code should no longer be in use. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the unknown debit could occur.

risks from fake QR codes

Renner is not the only one who is concerned in this situation. Reports on fake QR codes, as used in this case, have appeared in numerous cities, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia. The danger is great: If drivers scan such a code, you get to steal personal data on fraudulent websites that aim to steal personal data, including credit card data. Fake QR codes in Hanover were recently discovered, which city employees found on parking ticket machines. These codes carried Easypark's logo with the "Scan & Pay" message and led to fake websites.

The experts from Easypark warn that real QR codes are usually integrated into signs and are not simply glued on as loose stickers. Users should also bother to ensure that they use Easypark's official app. This can be easily downloaded from trustworthy platforms such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

prevention and tips

The signs of fake QR codes are often clear. Bad fortifications, spelling mistakes on the website or the lack of a security certificate are initial information on fraud. Before scanning, you should carefully check whether the code may have been glued over. In addition, it is advisable not to enter personal or bank details in case of doubt.

those affected are advised to immediately contact the police in the event of suspicion of fraud. So far, there is no evidence of fake QR codes of parking machines, especially in Schwerin, but police spokeswoman Juliane Zgonine emphasizes that vigilance is offered. The city and local transport took the incident very seriously. Renner was pleased that his warning was heard, even if the uncertainty over the debit.

For more information and tips for the safe use of QR codes, Easypark has provided a guide on its homepage. Stay attentive and protect your data!

Read more about the backgrounds in the reports of wdr and arnaqueoufiable .

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OrtDemmlerplatz, 19053 Schwerin, Deutschland
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