Attention Bregenz: attempted fraud via email in the name of the city!

Attention Bregenz: attempted fraud via email in the name of the city!

In the last few days there has been alarming news from Bregenz and Linz. Both cities warn their citizens about fraudulent emails that make false payment demands in the name of COEO Inkasso. These emails are supposedly intended to collect outstanding parking fees and offer tempting “discounts”, but the reality is completely different. The city of Bregenz reported in its announcement of October 7, 2025 [Bregenz] that an email was sent to citizens offering them a “comparison with a 50% discount” if they confirmed that they had a corresponding ticket.

It is essential that the city of Bregenz does not cooperate with COEO Inkasso. Therefore, these offers are not only unreliable, but actually an attempt at fraud. The email contains dangerous wording such as: “As part of an agreement between COEO-Inkasso and the city of Bregenz…” and attempts to trick recipients into clicking on buttons, which is usually part of a phishing attempt.

Beware of phishing attempts

The situation is similar in Linz, where the city makes it clear that it also does not request payments via email. According to a message from [meinbezirk.at], citizens are receiving emails with alleged parking fines, which also contain links to direct payment. The city of Linz emphasizes that official information is always sent in writing by post and that direct payment requests by email are not provided. This scam aims to lure unsuspecting citizens into a trap.

Experts at [verbraucherzentrale.de] recommend being particularly vigilant in such cases. You should not open any attachments or click any links. If you have already shared personal information, it is advisable to contact the police and the bank immediately.

The characteristics of the fraudulent emails are similar in both cases. They often offer tempting offers, and in the case of the city of Bregenz this is around a 50% discount. In addition, it is pointed out in Linz that such emails often use pressure to build up - through threats of functional restrictions - which can also be observed in other phishing attempts.

With the current warnings, cities are calling on their citizens to be vigilant. It is in everyone's best interest to share this information to protect not only themselves but also others from financial harm. In the digital age, caution is advised, and with a good degree of skepticism, such attempted fraud can often be detected in good time.