Beware of Scammers
How can you identify fraudulent websites (scam websites)?
When browsing the internet, you may have noticed that some websites appear less trustworthy than others. A large number of news portals such as Consumer Advice Centre Baden-Württemberg (01/07/2025), Allgäuer Zeitung (11/06/2025), Tagesschau (20/05/2025) and BR24 (12/04/2025) have reported on the dangers of scam websites, particularly warning about fraud when purchasing vignettes.
We would like to give you tips on how to recognise fraudulent websites so that you do not fall into scammers’ traps and lose money.
Check the website links (URLs) carefully
As soon as you visit a website that is unfamiliar to you and advertises products for sale, you should check the URL. Look out for unusual characters or spelling mistakes in the web address.
Cheap does not always mean trustworthy
Who does not like a bargain? When browsing the internet, many people try to find the lowest price. Scammers often exploit this desire. Be especially cautious if a product is offered at an unusually low price. There have already been cases where people purchased invalid vignettes and subsequently had to pay fines for not having a valid one.
Payment methods
It should also be considered a warning sign if advance payment only is offered. Reputable online shops usually provide a variety of payment methods, such as credit card or PayPal, which include buyer protection. You should never carelessly disclose sensitive personal data such as credit card numbers, passwords or TANs.
Imprint (Legal notice)
Pay close attention to the imprint. A reputable website will always provide a complete legal notice, including the name of the managing director, company address, contact details and commercial register information.
Verify the contact details
Better safe than sorry. If a website appears suspicious, do not only read the imprint but also verify the information provided. Check whether the company actually exists at the stated address.
Trust seals
Many reputable websites use trust seals to build confidence. However, fraudulent websites may also display fake seals. Therefore, always check the other criteria as well. A seal alone does not guarantee a secure website.
Ultimately: the overall impression
In addition to all these points, consider the general impression of the website. Are there spelling mistakes or grammatical errors? Do the texts appear professional, or are sentences simply strung together without structure?
Tip: Take action
If you come across a scam website during your research and the above signs apply, do not hesitate to report the website to a consumer protection authority. This helps protect other users from falling victim to fraud.
You can trust us!
Use our tips to stay safe when shopping online. You are welcome to apply the same checks to us and will find that we are a trustworthy provider. Visit Trustpilot to see positive reviews from other users and reassure yourself of our reliability. With us, you are on the safe side.
Purchase your digital vignette for your next trip with us. Further information about tolls and vignettes can be found in our guide. You can also use our route planner to better plan your journey and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email.
Links to the news portals
If you would like to learn more about scam websites and how to recognise them, you can find the above-mentioned sources here:
Consumer Advice Centre Baden-Württemberg (01/07/2025)
Allgäuer Zeitung (11/06/2025)
Tagesschau (20/05/2025)
BR24 (12/04/2025)
