Recognising fraud and fake messages

Fraud with parking apps almost always runs on fake messages. Scammers send emails and text messages in the name of such an app about a failed payment, an outstanding amount or a parking fine, with a link or QR code to pay "quickly". Those messages do not come from us. If you are not sure whether a message is really from SimplePark, always check it in the app, never through the message itself.

What we do and do not send

• Text messages. The only text you get from us is a six-digit code: when you create your account, when you confirm your number during onboarding, with Forgot password and when you change your phone number. The text tells you never to share the code. It contains no link, and we never ask for a payment in a text.
• Email. Our emails come from an address ending in @simplepark.nl. An email about a negative balance, a failed direct debit or a reversed payment contains the button Pay outstanding amount. That button opens a payment page of our payment partner Mollie, where you pay with iDEAL. After paying you return to the app. An email to confirm your email address contains a six-digit code, so no button or link to confirm anything. Invoices arrive as a PDF attachment.
• Push notifications. A push notification only opens the app. We never send a payment page with it.

What we never do: send a parking fine or an additional assessment, because those come from the municipality or the CJIB, not from SimplePark. We do not send QR codes to pay with, never ask for your password, a PIN, your verification code or your bank card details, and never let you pay through a payment platform other than Mollie. See also Received a fine even though you had paid.

How to spot fraud

• The sender is wrong. Look letter by letter at what comes after the @. An address that resembles simplepark.nl but is slightly different is fake. A text message with a link is always fake.
• The link goes somewhere else. Press and hold the button on your phone, or hover over it on your computer, to see the web address. If you do not trust the address, do not use the button and go to the app instead.
• You are put under pressure. Pay within 24 or 48 hours, threats of a collection agency or extra costs. Our emails mention a payment term too, but always leave you the choice to pay in the app.
• The amount or the situation is wrong. An outstanding amount always shows in the app as well. If there is nothing there, the message is fake.
• You do not have an account. Scammers send their messages to everyone, including people who do not use SimplePark.

Not sure? Check it in the app

Paying in the app is always safe, even when the email was genuine: you never have to use the button in the email. See Paying an outstanding amount.

Reporting fraud

Forward the message to [email protected], including the sender and the link. That way we know which fraud is going around and can warn other users. You can also report fraud to the Fraudehelpdesk, and if you lost money, file a report with the police. Then delete the message and do not reply to it, not even to say you saw through it.