How Can Fraudulent Websites (Scam Websites) Be Identified?

When browsing the internet, you may have already noticed that some websites appear less reputable than others. A number of well-known news and consumer protection portals, including the Consumer Advice Centre Baden-Württemberg (01 July 2025), the Allgäuer Zeitung (11 June 2025), Tagesschau (20 May 2025), and BR24 (12 April 2025), have reported on the growing risk posed by scam websites, particularly in connection with the fraudulent sale of vignettes. The following guidance is intended to help you identify fraudulent websites and avoid financial loss.

Carefully Examine Website Links (URLs)

When visiting an unfamiliar website that advertises products for purchase, you should always check the URL carefully. Pay close attention to any unusual characters, spelling mistakes, or inconsistencies within the web address.

Low Prices Do Not Necessarily Indicate Legitimacy

Many internet users are tempted by seemingly attractive bargains. However, low prices are not always an indication of a legitimate offer. Fraudsters frequently exploit the desire for exceptionally low prices. Caution is therefore advised if a product is offered at a significantly reduced price. There have already been numerous cases in which individuals purchased invalid vignettes and were subsequently fined for travelling without a valid vignette.

Payment Methods

You should also consider it a warning sign if advance payment is the only accepted method. Reputable online shops generally offer several payment options, such as credit card or PayPal, which include buyer protection. Furthermore, you should never disclose sensitive personal information such as credit card details, passwords, or transaction authentication numbers (TANs).

Legal Notice (Imprint)

Particular attention should be paid to the legal notice. A trustworthy website will always provide a complete imprint with verifiable contact details. This typically includes the name of the managing director, the company’s address, a telephone number or email address, and registration details in the commercial register.

Verification of Contact Details

It is always better to exercise caution. If a website appears questionable, you should not only read the imprint but also verify the information provided. For example, use the stated address to confirm whether the company actually exists.

Trust Seals

Reputable websites often display trust seals to enhance credibility. However, fraudulent websites may also use this tactic by displaying counterfeit seals. Therefore, even if a website features a seal, you should still review all other indicators carefully. A trust seal alone does not guarantee that a website is secure.

The Overall Impression

In addition to the points listed above, the overall appearance of the website should be considered. Are there spelling mistakes or grammatical errors in the content or product descriptions? Do the texts appear professional and coherent, or are they poorly structured and carelessly assembled?

Tip: Take Action

If, during your online research, you encounter a scam website that meets the above criteria, do not hesitate to report it to a consumer protection authority. By doing so, you help protect other users from falling victim to fraud.

You Can Rely on Us

Use the guidance provided above to protect yourself when making online purchases. You are welcome to apply these checks to our website as well and will find that we operate as a reputable and trustworthy provider. We invite you to visit Trustpilot to verify our credibility and to review the positive feedback from other customers. With us, you are on the safe side.

Purchase your digital vignette for your next journey conveniently through our service. Further information on tolls and the corresponding vignettes can be found in our guide. You may also use our route planner to better organise your journey and view the relevant toll products. Should you have any questions, we are happy to assist you. Please contact us via email.

Links to Referenced News Portals

If you would like to further familiarise yourself with scam websites and their characteristics, you can find the referenced news portals below:

Milena Paasch
Hey, ich bin Milena. Ich reise unglaublich gerne. Dadurch konnte ich schon viel sehen, wie beispielsweise verschiedene Staaten in den USA, die Niagarafälle in Kanada, mehrere Orte auf einer Rundreise durch Schweden, Spanien, Italien und noch ein paar andere faszinierende Orte. Außerdem habe ich schon immer leidenschaftlich viel gelesen und Texte geschrieben. Texterin zu sein, passt also fantastisch zu meinen Interessen. Ich versuche dem Leser ein spannendes und bereicherndes Leseerlebnis zu bieten und möchte, dass meine Texte gerne gelesen werden!
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