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Austria’s motorway operator ASFINAG is sounding the alarm over a new phishing wave sweeping the country. Fraudulent emails designed to look like official ASFINAG messages are currently landing in inboxes nationwide — and they are after personal data and credit‑card details.
Fake vignette notices demand “replacement toll” payments
The scam emails claim that drivers were caught using Austria’s motorways or expressways without a valid vignette, resulting in an alleged outstanding fee. To avoid a supposed administrative penalty of up to 3,000 euros, recipients are urged to pay a retroactive 10‑day vignette for 12.36 euros.
A prominent button — “Ersatzmaut jetzt bezahlen” — leads to what appears to be a payment page.
But ASFINAG stresses that these links direct users to phishing sites created to harvest sensitive information. Once entered, criminals may charge significantly higher amounts or misuse the stolen data.
Emails look convincing — but the sender gives them away
According to ASFINAG, the fraudulent messages often mimic the company’s design, logos, and tone. However, a closer look at the sender address usually reveals the deception.
“These mails are fake, created with fraudulent intent, and have no connection whatsoever to ASFINAG,” the company warns.
ASFINAG responds with public alerts and technical countermeasures
The motorway operator is currently informing the public through its website, Mautshop, social‑media channels, and Helpcenter. At the same time, ASFINAG says it is working on technical measures to block or disable the circulating phishing links.
Drivers are urged to ignore the emails, avoid clicking any links, and delete the message immediately.
How to stay safe
- Check the sender address — official ASFINAG emails come from verified domains.
- Never enter payment data on links received unexpectedly.
- Access the ASFINAG Mautshop directly instead of via email links.
- Report phishing attempts to help authorities track ongoing scams.
- source; heute.at/picture: asfinag.at
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