A particularly dangerous form electronic fraud is again in rise in large European cities, this time with targeting unsuspecting drivers. The reason for the so -called “monkey” calls – fake papers reminiscent of the official traffic fines and are placed on the windscreen, with the sole purpose of intercepting banking.
According to the authorities, this fraud had initially appeared in Spain, France and USAhowever in recent weeks reappeared in Italywith dozens of incidents being investigated by the Italian police.
How the vagina works
The fake calls are carefully designed to mimic genuine Traffic Forms:
• carry logos and references to Road Traffic Code
• indicate a ‘fine’ less than usual (eg with supposed discount for timely payment)
• include one QR codewhich the driver is called upon to scan to pay ‘electronically’
QR Code leads to Impressively convincing but false website that looks like that of the police. There they are asked:
– The traffic number
– Card/Bank Account items
Once the user completes them, scammers get access and can in a few minutes lift money or empty the account.
Where are the perpetrators ‘betrayed’
Despite high quality printing and realistic appearance, the authorities point out that there are some common mistakes that need to be suspected:
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OR date of infringement is later of the date where the paper was found (eg call from the… future).
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The amount of the fine is abnormally loweven with the “discount”.
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QR Code refers to odd urls that do not belong to the official website of the police or municipality.
What to do if you find such a “call” in your windshield
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Don’t scan NO QR CODE
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Do not type items bank cards if you are not 100% sure of authenticity
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Contact her local traffic or municipality To verify the fine
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Immediately denounce suspicious call to help identify the perpetrators
European authorities call on drivers to be cautiousas fraud appears to be spreading rapidly and it is not excluded that it will appear soon in other countries, including Greece.
Experts’s advice is clear: If you find ‘call’ in the car, Never pay from QR Link. Check first if it is genuine. Beyond that, street scams can cost much more expensive than a fine of illegal parking…