Scam Websites

When browsing the internet, it often becomes apparent that some websites seem less trustworthy than others. A number of well-known news and consumer protection portals, including the Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025), the Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025), Tagesschau (20.05.2025) as well as BR24 (12.04.2025), have already reported on the growing risk posed by scam websites – particularly in connection with the fraudulent sale of vignettes. The following tips are meant to help you identify fraudulent websites early on and avoid financial losses.

Carefully check links (URLs)

If you visit a previously unknown website offering paid products, you should always check the URL carefully. Pay particular attention to unusual characters, spelling mistakes, or discrepancies in the web link.

Low prices are no guarantee of legitimacy

Many users are tempted online by supposed bargains. However, particularly cheap offers are often a tactic used by scammers to gain trust. Be cautious if a product is offered at a strikingly low price. There have already been several cases where invalid vignettes were purchased, resulting in hefty fines for missing or invalid vignettes.

Critically assess payment methods

It should be considered a warning sign if advance payment is the only payment method offered. Reputable online shops usually provide several payment options, such as credit card or PayPal, which offer buyer protection. In addition, sensitive data such as credit card numbers, passwords, or TANs should never be shared carelessly.

Check the legal notice (imprint)

Particular attention should be paid to the legal notice. Trustworthy websites always have a complete and verifiable legal notice. This includes, among other things, the name of the responsible person, the company address, a means of contact, and details of registration in the commercial register.

Verify contact details

When in doubt, caution is advised. If a website seems untrustworthy to you, you should verify the contact details listed in the legal notice. For example, use the address to check whether the company actually exists.

Correctly interpret trust seals

Reputable websites often use trust seals to underline their credibility. However, fraudulent providers also use fake seals. Therefore, even if a seal is present, always check all other criteria as well. A seal alone is no proof of a secure website.

The overall impression of the website

In addition to all the points mentioned, the general impression also plays an important role. Do the texts or product descriptions contain spelling or grammatical errors? Does the content appear professional and well-structured, or rather disjointed and confusing?

Tip: Take action

If, during your online research, you come across a suspected scam website that exhibits several of the features mentioned, do not hesitate to report it to a consumer protection center. By doing so, you help protect other users from fraud as well.

You can trust us

Use the tips mentioned above to protect yourself when shopping online. Of course, you can also apply these criteria to our website and see for yourself that we are trustworthy. With us, you are on the safe side.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a safe trip to the Czech Republic and are happy to help with any questions regarding toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and view suitable toll products. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us by email.

Links to the news portals mentioned

If you would like to learn more about scam websites and their typical characteristics, you can find the sources mentioned below:

• Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025)

• Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025)

• Tagesschau (20.05.2025)

• BR24 (12.04.2025)