Fake Parking Tickets in Florence: How to Recognize the Scam

A brand new rip-off has appeared in Florence, with counterfeit parking tickets being left on automobiles in numerous neighborhoods, together with Campo di Marte. At first sight they appear genuine: they carry the lily image, bear the heading of the municipal police, and embrace a QR code for fast cost. In actuality, the code results in a PayPal transaction and the doc has no authorized worth.

The City of Florence has warned that these notices weren’t issued by the Polizia Municipale however are a part of a fraudulent try to extort cash. There are a number of clues that reveal the deception. Unlike the real pre-notices, which at all times present the wording “Corpo polizia municipale Comune di Firenze”, the fakes rely solely on the lily emblem. The fonts are inconsistent, with bigger characters used for the license plate and ticket quantity. The language is schematic and the outline of the violation doesn’t correspond to the cited article of the legislation. Another clear distinction is the deadline: the faux ticket claims a reduced cost could be made inside fifteen days, whereas in actuality the legislation permits solely 5. Even the signature provides it away, since a handwritten-style autograph is printed on the backside, one thing that doesn’t seem on genuine fines.

The largest warning signal is the cost system. The counterfeit doc accommodates just one QR code which opens a poorly designed web site that imitates the official PagoPA portal. The web page even accommodates a spelling mistake within the phrase “dispositivo”, written as “dispozitivo”, and provides two cost strategies, PayPal and bank card. By distinction, the true notices are bigger, carry two QR codes, and at all times redirect solely to PagoPA through the official IO app.

Authorities urge drivers to not pay in the event that they obtain one in all these false tickets. Anyone who finds such a doc ought to contact the Polizia Municipale instantly or carry it to their workplaces for verification. The metropolis stresses that every one reliable fines have to be paid solely by way of the PagoPA system and by no means by way of PayPal or third-party hyperlinks.

For each residents and guests, this rip-off serves as a reminder to be cautious. Tourists specifically, who could not know what a real Italian advantageous seems like, are inspired to double-check any ticket earlier than making a cost. Staying alert will assist be certain that a easy parking violation doesn’t flip right into a expensive fraud whereas having fun with Florence.

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