Scam Websites

When browsing the internet, it's often noticeable that some websites seem less trustworthy than others. A number of well-known news and consumer protection portals, including the Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (consumer advice centre, 01.07.2025), the Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025), the Tagesschau (20.05.2025), and BR24 (12.04.2025), have already reported on the increasing threat posed by scam websites – particularly in connection with the fraudulent sale of toll stickers. The following tips are designed to help you recognise fraudulent websites at an early stage and avoid financial loss.

Carefully check links (URLs)

If you visit a website you don't know that offers paid products, you should always check the URL carefully. Pay particular attention to unusual characters, spelling errors, or discrepancies in the web link.

Low prices are no guarantee of legitimacy

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

Critically assess payment methods

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

Check the legal notice (imprint)

Special 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 person responsible, the company address, a means of contact, and details of the commercial register entry.

Verify contact details

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

Correctly interpret trust seals

Legitimate websites often use trust seals to underline their credibility. However, fraudulent providers also use fake seals. Therefore, even if a seal is present, you should 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 displays several of the characteristics mentioned, don't hesitate to report it to a consumer advice centre. In doing so, you help protect other users from fraud as well.

You can trust us

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

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a safe journey 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 have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your journey 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 will find the sources mentioned below:

• Verbraucherzentrale Baden-Württemberg (01.07.2025)

• Allgäuer Zeitung (11.06.2025)

• Tagesschau (20.05.2025)

• BR24 (12.04.2025)