Don’t scan that code! New parking fine scam hits Alicante

It’s not every day the council has to send out a citywide scam warning, but that’s exactly what’s just happened in Alicante.

If you’ve parked your car anywhere around Avenida Benito Pérez Galdós (or just about anywhere in the city lately), keep your eyes peeled—the Ayuntamiento de Alicante has sounded the alarm about a crafty new scam that’s catching out local drivers.

How the fake parking ticket scam works in Alicante

Scammers have started leaving fake parking fines on windscreens, hoping to fool you into scanning a QR code printed on the notice. Sounds modern, right? Except this QR code doesn’t take you anywhere official. Instead, it’ll whisk you off to a dodgy website asking for your personal and banking details.
Before you know it, you could be handing over far more than just a few euros for a parking ticket.

Real parking fines in Alicante don’t come with a QR code. The council was very clear on this. Official fines (the proper ones) are headed “Boletín de denuncia”, they’ve got the Ayuntamiento’s logo up top, and use a barcode, NOT A QR CODE, to log your fine. So if you spot a QR code on your ‘fine’, bin it or report it straight away.

What to do if you find a fake parking fine in Alicante

• Don’t scan that QR code.
• Don’t give away any personal info.
• Take a quick snap of the notice, then let the local police or the Ayuntamiento know about it.

And by the way, this isn’t just a problem on one street. The council reckons these fake fines might pop up in other neighbourhoods too, so spread the word to friends, neighbours, and anyone who parks in Alicante.

Why fake parking fines in Alicante are a real threat

Honestly, scams like these are getting sneakier. The more we talk about them, the less likely it is that anyone gets caught out. The Ayuntamiento de Alicante is doing its bit, but it’s on all of us to look out for each other—and keep a close eye on anything that looks off.

If you’re ever in doubt about a parking ticket, your best bet is to double-check with the council or local police. Better safe than sorry.

Stay safe, and keep an eye on your windscreen! More scam alerts and local news from Costa Blanca north at Euro Weekly News.