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 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. Below, 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 that is unfamiliar to you and 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 a disreputable or fake site.
Cheap does not mean trustworthy
Many users are looking for the best possible deal when making online purchases. However, a particularly low price is not automatically a sign of trustworthiness. Fraudsters often deliberately exploit the desire for a bargain. 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 valid vignette.
Payment methods
The payment methods offered can also be an important warning sign. Be particularly 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 include buyer protection. In addition, never carelessly share personal data such as credit card numbers, passwords, or TANs.
Legal notice (Impressum)
You should pay special attention to the legal notice. 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 the entry in the commercial register.
Verifying contact details
It is better to be safe than sorry. If a website seems disreputable to you, you should not only read the legal notice but also verify the information provided wherever 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 emphasize their credibility. However, disreputable providers also use this approach and rely on fake seals. Therefore, when a website displays seals, always also check the other criteria. 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 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 apparent connection? An overall disreputable impression should generally make you suspicious.
Tip: Take action
If, during your internet research, you come across a scam website that matches several of the characteristics 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 verification criteria to our website and you will find that our offer 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.
Purchase your digital vignette for your next trip from us now. You can find more information on tolls and the corresponding vignettes in our guide. In addition, you can 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 our email.
Here you will find the links to the news portals
If you would like to learn more about scam websites in order to better recognize typical features, you will find the websites mentioned in the text below:
Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025)
Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025)
Tagesschau (20.05.2025)
BR24 (12.04.2025)
