Austrian Lotteries warns of email scam

There has been an increase in manipulated emails circulating that are supposedly sent on behalf of Austrian Lotteries and ask recipients to provide personal information for an alleged prize payout. Cybercrime helpline: Over 2,000 cases handled In these fraudulent messages, which purport to come from Austrian Lotteries, recipients are tricked into disclosing personal information, including bank details, in order to receive an alleged prize payout. Austrian Lotteries provide tips on how to avoid email scams The Austrian Lotteries emphasize that these emails do not come from them and are clearly…

Read More

Austria: Early retirement for nursing staff possible from 2026

From January 1, 2026, nursing staff will be able to retire at the age of 60 without any reduction in their pension, as the requirements for the heavy labor pension will be relaxed. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the regulation affects around 1,000 people per year, and the financing is still being worked out. The federal government has now finalized the expansion of heavy labor to include nursing professions, which was announced in the spring. The corresponding regulation was approved by the Council of Ministers via circular resolution,…

Read More

Survey: How much Austrians spend per capita on Halloween

According to a survey by the Austrian Retail Association, Halloween will generate around €90 million for domestic retailers this year. Austrians spend an average of €74 on the holiday, which is particularly popular among young people. Halloween is becoming more important every year. “According to the latest Trade Association Consumer Check, two-thirds of Austrians plan to shop specifically for Halloween,” says Rainer Will, managing director of the Trade Association. Reppublika Research & Analytics surveyed 1,013 people aged 18 and over online on behalf of the association between September 25 and…

Read More

Heavy rain in sight: New low-pressure system now heading for the country

People in Austria can also expect rain and wind, especially at the beginning of the week. End of the calm weather phase The persistent high-pressure system that has recently brought mostly calm weather to Central and Western Europe is weakening. Starting this weekend, several low-pressure systems will spread from the Atlantic to the continent. First, the British Isles (Great Britain and Ireland) will be affected, then France, and at the beginning of the new week, the changeable weather will finally reach Central Europe. First offshoots reach Austria On Monday, it…

Read More

Josef Grünwidl takes over as Archbishop of Vienna

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn’s successor as Archbishop of Vienna is Josef Grünwidl. Josef Grünwidl will be the new Archbishop of Vienna. The Vatican announced this on Friday afternoon in its “Bollettino.” The 62-year-old, who took over as Apostolic Administrator after Cardinal Christoph Schönborn’s resignation in January, wants to be a team player, bridge builder, and pastor, as he emphasized at a press conference. His consecration as bishop is expected to take place on January 24 and will be performed by Schönborn. Grünwidl: “God does not want me to be perfect, but…

Read More

Austria to switch completely to digital vignettes in 2027

The era of adhesive vignettes for Austrian motorways is coming to an end. The traditional adhesive vignette will be available for the last time for the 2026 vignette year. From 2027, only the digital vignette will be available! The adhesive vignette for 2026 will be available in a vibrant “fire red” from the end of November at the ÖAMTC and will be valid from December 1, 2025. The club will also offer all versions of the 2026 digital vignette in the usual form. The vignette prices for 2026 have been…

Read More

Austria is heading back to winter time

The last days of daylight saving time are coming to an end in Austria. The time change will take place on October 26. On the night of October 26, clocks in Austria and other EU member states will be set back one hour. At 3:00 a.m., daylight saving time will end and be replaced by standard time, also known as winter time. Although the European Parliament decided to end daylight saving time in 2019, the plan has not yet been implemented. In fact, there is no end in sight for…

Read More

Always available – Austrians stressed by cell phones

Smartphone use in Austria: Many feel stressed by constant availability and are increasingly turning to digital detox measures. In the age of mobile communication, the boundaries between work and private life are becoming blurred. This is shown by the latest “Smartphone Survey” from Deloitte. For this survey, 500 mobile phone users were questioned in a representative online survey. For some, 15 weeks, for others, several times a week. “This poses a risk to mental health,” says Florian Brence, partner at Deloitte Austria. Sixteen percent often feel stressed by being constantly…

Read More

“Climate bonus is back!” (Klimabonus ist wieder da!)– Warning to all citizens

Climate bonus phishing: Fraudsters are sending text messages with a supposed climate bonus for 2026. Experts warn of data theft and subsequent fraud. A wave of text messages is currently luring people with the return of the climate bonus. Anyone who wants to claim it should pre-register on the website mentioned in the message. “None of this is true. We are actually dealing with classic phishing,” warns the information platform “Watchlist Internet.” The climate bonus was scrapped in January 2025. There will be no comeback! According to experts in internet…

Read More