How to Spot Fraudulent Websites

When browsing the internet, it is often noticeable that some websites appear less reputable than others. Numerous news portals, such as the Consumer Advice Center Baden-Württemberg (01/07/2025), the Allgäuer Zeitung (11/06/2025), the Tagesschau (20/05/2025) as well as BR24 (12/04/2025), have reported on the dangers of fraudulent websites. The most common type of fraud mentioned is related to purchasing vignettes. Below you will find tips on how to recognize fraudulent websites in order to protect yourself from financial loss.

How can you recognize fraudulent websites (scam websites)?

Check the website links (URLs) carefully

If you visit a website that is new to you and offers products for purchase, you should always check the URL carefully. Look out for unusual characters or spelling mistakes in the link, as this can be an indication of an unreliable site.

Low prices are not always reputable

Many internet users try to find a bargain when shopping online. However, a low price is not automatically a sign of legitimacy. Fraudsters take advantage of the expectation of a cheap deal. Therefore, be especially cautious if a product is offered significantly cheaper than usual. There have already been numerous cases in which people purchased an invalid vignette and then had to pay a fine for not having a valid vignette.

Payment methods

Another warning sign is if advance payment is the only accepted payment method. Reputable providers usually offer several payment options such as credit card or PayPal, where buyer protection applies. Also, never carelessly share personal data such as credit card numbers, passwords or TANs.

Check the legal notice (imprint)

Pay close attention to the legal notice (imprint). A trustworthy website will always provide complete contact details – including the managing director’s name, company address, telephone number, email address and ideally a commercial register entry.

Verify contact details

If a website seems suspicious to you, you should verify the contact details listed there. For example, use a search engine or a business directory to check whether the company mentioned actually exists.

Trust seals

Reputable websites often use trust seals to signal credibility. However, fraudsters also use this approach and forge such seals. Therefore, even if seals are displayed, you should always check the other characteristics of a trustworthy website. A seal alone does not guarantee safety.

Overall impression

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, the overall impression of the website also matters. Do the texts contain many spelling or grammar mistakes? Do the formulations appear professional, or do they seem like random phrases strung together? Poor language quality can be an indication of an unreliable site.

Note: Take action

If you come across a suspicious website during your online research that shows the characteristics mentioned above, please report it to the consumer advice center. This helps protect other people from fraud as well.

You can trust us!

Use our tips to make your online purchases safer. Of course, you can also apply this checklist to us. You will find that we are a reputable website. With us, you are in safe hands.

Buy your digital vignette for your next trip directly from us now. You can find more information about tolls and the related vignettes in our guide. You can also use our route planner to plan your trip and see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help. Feel free to contact us via email.

Links to the news portals mentioned

If you would like to learn more about fraudulent websites, you will find below the sources mentioned in this article:

• Consumer Advice Center Baden-Württemberg (01/07/2025)
• Allgäuer Zeitung (11/06/2025)
• Tagesschau (20/05/2025)
• BR24 (12/04/2025)