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Risk: Elevated

Gewerbeauskunftsregister.at: The Sinfully Expensive Subscription in the Fine Print

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 02/10/2026 · Last updated: 03/10/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case, reported by Watchlist Internet. See linked source for details.
Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.
How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this fraud scheme. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

  • The perpetrators specifically target Austrian companies and send an unsolicited email.
  • They use publicly available company data to make the PDF appear personal and legitimate – no data breach required.
  • They ask recipients to review the alleged business data and return the completed, signed PDF by a tight deadline.
  • Only in the fine print between the company details does the actual offer become visible: a basic listing for two years at 98 euros per month plus VAT.
  • The signature and return are intended to constitute a paid contract.
  • The fee is then invoiced – based on the 'order' created by returning the signed form.

How to recognise it

  • Unsolicited email with a pre-filled PDF form requesting signature and return
  • Costs (98 euros monthly for two years) appear only in the fine print and are not clearly visible
  • Short return deadline (in the current case until 02.10.2026) creates artificial time pressure
  • Domain gewerbeauskunftsregister.at was changed only recently (28.09.2026)
  • Behind the offer is the Spanish marketing agency Advert2B SL from Murcia, which was only registered on 19.06.2026
  • The website falsely claims a headquarters in 1080 Vienna – the actual location is in Spain
  • The advertised register is barely known and is not an official government or chamber register
  • Prize without participation or a 'free' offer involving data collection

How to protect yourself

  • Under no circumstances sign and return the PDF – the return alone is intended to trigger the contract.
  • Read the fine print in full before signing anything, especially the term, costs, and right of withdrawal.
  • Preserve the email, attachment, and provider's website as evidence (save screenshots and PDFs).
  • If in doubt, ask the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) or a consumer advice centre for an assessment.
  • If the form has already been signed, the contract should be contested and disputed in writing – ideally with advice from a consumer advice centre.
  • In the case of payment demands following an unwanted signature, do not pay without checking; document the process and, if necessary, file a report with the police.

What you should never do

  • Do not sign the pre-filled PDF and do not return it.
  • Do not pay a payment demand too hastily just because 'a contract has been concluded'.
  • Do not give in out of shame or time pressure – the scheme deliberately targets unconsidered reactions.
  • Do not send any further personal data (e.g. bank details, copies of ID) to the sender.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay if I did sign and return the form?

Not automatically. A signature on a form pushed on you in an unserious manner is not necessarily a valid contract. However, you should have the matter reviewed as soon as possible, dispute it in writing, and contact a consumer advice centre or the WKO.

Where did the fraudsters get my company data?

According to Watchlist Internet, the data comes from entirely normal, publicly available sources such as the company register or industry directories. No data breach or hacker attack is needed to obtain company names, addresses, and contact details.

What happens if I simply do not respond to the email?

Without signing and returning the form, no contract is concluded according to the article. No response is then required. The email should still be kept as evidence.

Is 'Gewerbeauskunftsregister.at' an official register?

No. It is a private offering from a Spanish marketing agency, not an official government or chamber register. Legitimate registers such as the company register or the WKO do not require such forms by email for a listing.

Can I defend myself against a subsequent invoice?

Yes. You should dispute the invoice in writing, contest the contract, and secure all documents. For an individual legal assessment, a consumer advice centre or a lawyer is the right point of contact.

Affected data

Domains
gewerbeauskunftsregister.at

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Related warnings

Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

  • 03/10/2026Description updated
  • 02/10/2026Warning added from an official source