Photo: BGNES
An increasing number of consumers are complaining about unexpected costs when purchasing electronic road vignettes online. In recent months, the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Bulgaria has received numerous reports of additional fees charged by intermediary platforms registered abroad.
In some cases, customers pay a processing or registration fee amounting to as much as one-third of the price of the vignette. Although information about the additional charge is included in the terms and conditions, it often goes unnoticed until the order is completed.
The European Consumer Centre warns that some intermediary websites closely resemble official sales platforms. They use similar website addresses, professional-looking designs and easy-to-fill-in forms. They also frequently appear among the top search results thanks to paid advertisements.
Drivers who purchase a vignette immediately before travelling are particularly vulnerable. When placing an order quickly on a mobile phone, it is easier to overlook details about the seller, the final price or the terms of the service.
The Consumer Centre clarifies that selling vignettes through intermediaries is not illegal. A vignette purchased this way is valid, but it may cost significantly more than the officially set price. Difficulties may also arise when attempting to correct details or cancel a purchase, as the available options depend on the specific terms and conditions.
Experts therefore recommend checking the website address, the company offering the service and the contact details provided before making a payment. It is also important to compare the final amount with the official tariff for the respective type of vignette.
Редактор: Калина Петкова
