by Florian König, maut1.de - 25 June 2025
French motorways are considered convenient, modern and well organised – but with advancing digitalisation, they have also become a target for internet fraud. In recent months, holidaymakers and commuters have increasingly received deceptively genuine-looking text messages or emails purporting to be from one of the French toll operators and demanding payment. What looks harmless – usually involving amounts between £5 and £10 – has in many cases turned out to be a phishing attack.
Travellers using the A13, A14, A4 or A79 motorways in France are particularly affected. These motorways mainly use the modern, fully digitalised free-flow toll system is used, in which vehicles are automatically registered and no longer have to pass through stationary toll stations. This principle saves time – but it also appears to offer fraudsters the opportunity to intervene.
How phishing works with tolls in France
The scam is extremely clever: the fraudsters send messages that appear to come from well-known toll providers such as Vinci Autoroutes, Ulys or Sanef. The messages contain familiar logos and colours, as well as wording that looks very professional.In most cases, travellers are presented with a small, open invoice and pressured to pay within 24 hours in order to avoid fines or account suspensions.
However, the link contained in the message leads to a fake website that looks deceptively similar to the real one operated by the official toll operators. Anyone who enters their credit card or account details here makes them accessible to the fraudsters. In some cases, personal data or login information is also requested so that the real accounts can be accessed later. The problem is that many victims only realise they have been scammed when it is already too late.
Recognising potential phishing in toll charges: How to protect yourself
It is important to be vigilant so that you do not fall victim to fraudulent toll SMS messages or emails. Genuine toll providers only use specific sender addresses and telephone numbers. Legitimate SMS messages in France only come from ‘VINCI’ or the official speed dial number 36035. Emails from official toll operators only come from domains such as @ulys.com, @vinci-autoroutes.com, @services.ulys.com or with similar official endings such as @clients.ulys.com, @contact.ulys.com, @email.vinci-autoroutes.com, @e.ulys.vinci-autoroutes.com or @enquete.vinci-autoroutes.com.
Another warning sign: The official toll operators do not send direct payment links in messages, but instead ask their customers to log in to the respective customer portal at https://account.ulys.com/ or https://www.sanef.com/client/index.html.
The tone of the message can also be an indication of phishing: Exaggerated urgency (‘Last warning,’ ‘Penalty payment imminent,’ ‘Don't miss out’) is often a typical feature of phishing attempts.&If you are unsure, you should never click on links in such messages. Instead, manually visit the website of the respective toll provider or check whether there really is (still) an outstanding invoice by logging into your existing customer account or at one of the official payment points at local service stations using your vehicle registration number.
The secure alternative: travelling with a toll box
A particularly effective solution against toll fraud via phishing is the use of a toll box. A toll box, also known as an ‘on-board unit’, is a small device that is installed in the vehicle and automatically handles all toll transactions. As soon as travellers pass a toll station in France (or in other supported countries), the toll is automatically recorded and later billed via the user account.
The special feature: You no longer have to rely on text messages, emails or apps from various toll operators for billing – and are thus automatically protected against phishing. Billing is carried out exclusively via the stored payment method: no dubious payment requests, no fake links, no unnecessary risks.
The maut1.de toll box for all cars up to 3 metres high, cars with trailers and motorcycles.
Simply order online, unpack, stick it next to the interior mirror and travel stress-free in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, plus save time at toll stations.
Further information is available at Toll box for cars and vehicles up to 3 metres high
Advantages of the maut1.de toll box: Greater security, less stress
In addition to protection against fraud, a toll box from maut1.de offers further advantages: Travellers can bypass the familiar traffic jams at toll stations (up to 45 minutes per (!) toll station during peak travel times), no longer need to purchase tickets on site and benefit from fast and convenient passage – even in countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal.
In addition, maut1.de customers receive a detailed monthly statement listing all toll stations passed through. This ensures transparency, especially for business travellers and frequent drivers.
Registration is easy: Order your toll box online at www.maut1.de, receive it conveniently by post, install it next to the interior mirror in your vehicle according to the instructions, and you're ready to go.
Travel worry-free through France: Switch to maut1.de now
Whether you're planning a summer holiday with the family, a business trip to Lyon or a road trip through the south of France, with the toll box from maut1.de you'll not only travel quickly and conveniently, but also be optimally protected against digital fraudsters. You only pay for what you have actually driven, keep track of the toll charges incurred and avoid any security gaps that phishing fraudsters could exploit.
maut1.de wishes you a safe and pleasant journey at all times!
& toll box image @ maut1.de
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