Fraud warning: Beware of fake ASFINAG reminders!

Fraud warning: Beware of fake ASFINAG reminders!

In Austria, the authorities are warning against an increasing number of scams being spread via SMS. Many people are currently receiving messages demanding an alleged traffic fine in the name of ASFINAG. This SMS is called the “final reminder” and demands a fee of 8.60 euros. The fraudsters appear to use sophisticated methods to obtain personal data and money. This gives the impression that there is a toll fee that can only be paid by credit card. The linked website looks deceptively real, which increases the risk for potential victims. In addition, there is a warning that larger amounts could subsequently be debited from online banking if users respond to the request.

ASFINAG itself points out that it does not send payment requests via SMS. Important tips for recognizing this scam are: Official payment requests are not sent via SMS; the authentic web address is www.asfinag.at. However, fake sites are often used that use similar but fake domains. It is worth not clicking on links in suspicious messages and questioning the urgency of payment requests. Drivers should also check whether they were actually driving on toll routes.

Fraudulent vignettes and their dangers

In addition to the fake reminders, drivers are currently also confronted with attempted fraud in connection with cell phone parking and fake sales sites for vignettes. Criminals copy the websites of ASFINAG and other vignette sales outlets in order to get unsuspecting victims to enter their credit card details. Initially only a small amount is debited, but later the victims have to expect larger debits. ASFINAG warns urgently that these fake shops do not have valid vignettes.

She recommends purchasing vignettes only from authorized sales partners. Official sales points include the toll shop at www.asfinag.at, as well as gas stations and tobacconists. ASFINAG also emphasizes that it does not charge any additional fees when purchasing a vignette. Legal prosecution of these fraudsters is made more difficult by the international structure of the providers, which is why consumers should be particularly vigilant.

Protection against phishing and fraudulent offers

There are many tips for preventing such scams. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) advises not to disclose confidential data via email and to avoid links in unexpected messages. Always check the address bar in the browser and save frequently used login pages in the favorites list. When entering personal data, this should only be done on official websites that are recognizable as SSL encrypted (see “https://”).

If users suspect that they have fallen victim to fraud, it is strongly advisable to contact the payment service provider immediately and report it to the police. A targeted and informed approach can help protect yourself from the diverse methods of cybercrime. Further information on the cyber security situation is available on platforms such as the BSI, which provide valuable tips on identifying and defending against phishing attacks.