Police are warning motorists not to use QR codes with the Easy Park logo on parking meters because they link to fake websites requesting bank and credit card data.

The stickers, which have a pink edge and the text “Scan & Pay” or “Pay by Phone” were found on parking meters across the country, including Amsterdam, Maastricht, and Sittard-Geleen. They have since been removed or made unusable.

The same type of stickers popped up in Belgium, Germany and Ireland, and were first discovered in the Netherlands a few months ago.

Police in Amsterdam became aware of them in May when they were found on parking meters in the De Pijp area. “This is a type of fraud we want people to be aware of,” a police spokesman said. “If you see one, let us know. If you used one and were duped, report it.”

The investigation into who is behind the fraud is ongoing.

In 2021 police warned against using QR codes in letters seemingly sent by official organisations and banks.