Vilnius transport company "Judu" warns of QR code and SMS scams

Vilnius public transport operator "Judu" is alerting residents and visitors to a growing scam that exploits its brand to defraud individuals. The company reports that fraudsters are creating fake QR codes and sending deceptive SMS messages, aiming to steal money and sensitive banking information.

A key warning from "Judu" is that the company never asks customers to pay for parking by scanning a QR code. If a scanned QR code prompts for payment or requests bank details, it is a clear sign of a scam. Official parking payment methods include the "Judu" mobile app, SMS messages, and the "m.Parking" application.

Furthermore, "Judu" emphasizes that it does not send SMS messages containing links to payment pages. Recipients of such messages are urged not to open them, click on any links, or enter personal or banking data. The only QR code "Judu" uses is found on public transport stickers labeled "Rate Your Ride," which is solely for passenger surveys and unrelated to any payments.

The company encourages anyone who spots a suspicious QR code, particularly one attached to a parking meter, or receives a dubious SMS message purportedly from "Judu," to report it immediately to the "Judu" customer service center. "Judu" stresses the importance of verifying all information about parking, public transport, and payments through official "Judu" channels and using only their authorized services to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.