Beware of Scammers
How can you recognize fraudulent websites (scam websites)?
When browsing the internet, it is often noticeable that some websites appear more trustworthy than others. Already a large number of news portals such as the Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025), the Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025), the Tagesschau (20.05.2025) and BR24 (12.04.2025) have reported on the dangers of scam websites and specifically pointed out cases of fraud when purchasing vignettes. In the following, we would like to explain how you can recognize fraudulent websites so that you do not fall for such offers and suffer financial losses.
Carefully check the website's links (URLs)
As soon as you visit a website you don't yet know that offers products for sale, you should always check the URL. Pay particular attention to whether the link contains unusual characters or spelling mistakes. Such irregularities can be an indication of an untrustworthy or fake site.
Cheap does not mean reputable
Many users are looking for the cheapest possible deal when shopping online. However, an especially low price is not automatically a sign of reputability. Fraudsters frequently exploit the desire for a bargain in a targeted way. Therefore, be especially cautious if a product is offered at a comparatively low price. There have already been several cases in which people purchased an invalid vignette and ultimately had to pay the fine for not having a vignette.
Payment methods
The payment methods offered can also be an important warning sign. Be especially alert if only advance payment is accepted as a payment method. Reputable online shops usually offer several payment options, such as credit card or PayPal, which provide buyer protection. Also, never carelessly share personal data such as credit card numbers, passwords, or TANs.
Legal notice (Impressum)
You should pay particular attention to the legal notice (Impressum). A reputable website always has a complete legal notice with contact details. This includes the name of the management, the full company address, a phone number or email address, and—if available—details of registration in the commercial register.
Verifying the contact details
It's better to be safe than sorry. If a website seems untrustworthy to you, you should not only read the legal notice but also check the information provided there if possible. For example, use the address given to check whether the company actually exists and whether the information can be confirmed through a quick search.
Trustworthy seals
Reputable websites often use trustworthy quality seals to underscore their credibility. However, untrustworthy providers also use this approach and resort to fake seals. Therefore, when a website displays seals, always check the other criteria as well. The presence of a seal alone is no guarantee of a secure website.
Ultimately: the overall impression
In addition to the points mentioned, you should always also consider the overall impression of the website. Do the texts contain factual errors, noticeable spelling mistakes, or grammatically incorrect sentences? Does the content appear structured and professional, or are sentences strung together without any recognizable connection? An overall untrustworthy impression should fundamentally make you suspicious.
Tip: Take action
If, during your internet research, you come across a scam website that exhibits several of the features mentioned, do not hesitate to report this website to the consumer advice center. By doing so, you help protect other consumers from fraud.
You can trust us
Use our tips to protect yourself as best as possible when making online purchases. Of course, you can also apply these checking criteria to our website and you will find that our offering comes from a reputable provider. Feel free to visit Trustpilot to see our trustworthiness for yourself, and let the positive reviews from other users reassure you. With us, you are on the safe side.
Important: Europamaut is an independent private provider and not a government authority. You can also obtain the Swiss e-vignette directly from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) at via.admin.ch for the official price of CHF 40.
Purchase your digital vignette for your next trip with us now. For more information on tolls and the corresponding vignettes, see our guide. You can also use our route planner to plan your trip and have the required toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
Here you can find the links to the news portals
If you would like to learn more about scam websites in order to better recognize typical characteristics, you will find the websites mentioned in the text listed below:
Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025)
Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025)
Tagesschau (20.05.2025)
BR24 (12.04.2025)
You can find all the important information on the toll in Switzerland in our guide.
