Beware of scammers!
How can you recognise fraudulent websites (scam websites)?
While browsing the internet, you may have already noticed that some websites appear noticeably less trustworthy than others. A large number of renowned news portals such as Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025), Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025), Tagesschau (20.05.2025) as well as BR24 (12.04.2025) have already reported on the dangers of scam websites and specifically warned against fraud when purchasing vignettes. Below you will find tips on how to recognise fraudulent websites in order to avoid financial losses.
Carefully check the website's links (URLs)
If you visit a website that offers products or services and that you don't yet know, you should first carefully check the URL. Pay particular attention to unusual characters, additional words or spelling errors in the web address.
Cheap doesn't automatically mean reputable
Attractive prices are tempting, but are often used deliberately by scammers. Therefore, be especially cautious if a product is offered significantly cheaper than by other providers. In the past, there have been several cases of travellers purchasing invalid vignettes and subsequently having to pay fines.
Take a critical look at payment methods
Another warning sign is when advance payment is offered as the only payment method. Reputable online shops usually offer several payment options, such as credit card or PayPal, which include buyer protection. In addition, never carelessly share sensitive data such as credit card numbers, passwords or TANs.
Check the legal notice (imprint)
A reputable website always has a complete legal notice with clear contact details. This includes, among other things, the name of the person responsible, the company address, an email address or phone number, and, where applicable, a commercial register entry.
Verify contact details
If in doubt, it is advisable to check the details provided in the legal notice. For example, check whether the company actually exists using the address given. This often makes it easy to expose disreputable providers.
Correctly assessing trust seals
Many reputable websites use well-known trust seals. However, fraudulent sites also resort to fake seals. Therefore, always check the remaining criteria as well, since a seal alone is not a guarantee of legitimacy.
The overall impression of the website
In addition to the points mentioned, the general impression also plays an important role. If there is an accumulation of spelling mistakes, unclear wording or unprofessional-looking text, caution is advised. Reputable providers usually place great importance on linguistic and content quality.
Tip: Take action
If you come across a suspected scam website during your research, you should report it to the Verbraucherzentrale. This way, you help protect other users from fraud.
You can trust us
Use the tips mentioned above to make your online purchases safely. Of course, you can also apply these criteria to our offer and convince yourself of our credibility. Feel free to visit Trustpilot and get an impression of our trustworthiness based on other customers' reviews.
Purchase your digital vignette for your next trip conveniently online. You can find more information on tolls and the corresponding vignettes in our guide. In addition, our route planner supports you in planning your trip optimally. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to help. Contact us at any time by email.
Links to further news portals
If you would like to find out more about scam websites, here is an overview of the reports mentioned:
Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025)
Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025)
Tagesschau (20.05.2025)
BR24 (12.04.2025)
