Toll fraud in France: Foreign Office warns of fake emails

Anyone traveling throughFrance by car this summer should not only pay attention to the route – but also be careful if a suspicious message pops up on their mobile phone.

The Federal Foreign Office is currently warning against fraudulent text messages and emails demanding that drivers pay allegedly outstanding tolls – especially on the major A13 and A14 motorways. The travel and safety advice for France was therefore updated on July 4, 2025.

The messages look deceptively real, but they come from scammers trying to obtain payment information. Travelers should never click on links in suspicious messages or enter personal information.

France is currently transitioning to a modern, barrier-free toll system: the so-called " free-flow toll system. " The goal: fewer traffic jams and more convenience. Drivers no longer have to stop; they simply drive through – cameras record the license plate number, and payment is made digitally later.

The new routes with free-flow tolls are:

• A13/A14: Paris – Caen
• A4: Saarbrücken – Metz, exit number 36 Boulay
• A79: Montmarault – Digoin

But with the convenience comes risk: Payment must be made within 72 hours, otherwise fines of up to €375 can be imposed, according to the ADAC. Cybercriminals are exploiting the new system and the associated time pressure for fraudulent scams.

Vacationers receive deceptively authentic messages via text message or email—supposedly from official providers such as Ulys, Vinci Autoroutes, or Sanef. The tone is matter-of-fact, the design professional, often featuring official logos and familiar colors.

The message claims, as described by the ADAC , that a small toll amount – usually around €6.80 – is still outstanding. They pressure you to pay quickly, threatening you with late fees or account closure. A link leads to a fake website that looks like the real provider's.

Anyone who enters their bank or credit card details there is handing them over directly to fraudsters. The result: unauthorized debits, data misuse, or even account suspension.

Drivers are receiving fraudulent payment requests via text message or email. The scam exploits the new digital toll system – the Federal Foreign Office is warning.

Source: IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire

Genuine payment requests only come from official providers like Ulys or Vinci Autoroutes. And these only use secure user accounts – never direct payment links!

Beware of senders with French mobile numbers (06 or 07) or unknown email addresses. If in doubt, contact the operator directly. Suspicious messages can be reported to Vinci-Cert , according to the Federal Foreign Office.

According to ADAC lawyers, the risk for travelers from Germany is relatively low. "The scam is likely to be limited primarily to recipients with French mobile phone numbers or email addresses," the ADAC states.

The system is not new – Italy, Spain, Portugal and soon Croatia are also relying on electronic toll solutions.

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