Vereinsregisterauszug.at: Expensive help for a free government inquiry
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning was included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.
How the scam works
- You search online for a register of associations extract and land on vereinsregisterauszug.at.
- The site advertises fast, straightforward help and 'independent administrative support'.
- You enter your data and pay €19.95 for the supposed service.
- The document is – if at all – forwarded by the provider, instead of being issued directly by the authorities.
- You could have obtained the same extract from the Central Register of Associations (ZVR) in just a few moments as a free download.
- In the worst case, the document never arrives and you have unnecessarily paid money.
How to recognise it
- The domain is called vereinsregisterauszug.at and therefore looks like an official Austrian offering – but it is not.
- You pay €19.95 for something that the official authorities offer for free.
- The company behind the site is based in the Netherlands (Pan Pan B.V.), not in Austria.
- The site advertises that it is 'independent of authorities' – and charges money for a service that authorities provide for free.
- In the domain register, another Dutch company (Mijn Subsidie B.V.) appears at the same postal address.
- In early 2026, there were already complaints about non-delivery after payment (at that time still under a different company name).
- Demand for cash/valuables via phone
- Massive emotional pressure and secrecy
How to protect yourself
- Get your register of associations extract directly from the Central Register of Associations (ZVR) – there it is free and immediately available.
- Before any payment, check whether there is an official free government option.
- If you have already paid and have not received a document: Request a written refund from the provider.
- If the provider refuses: Contact the Internet Ombudsstelle for free advice and a complaint option.
- If you paid by credit card: Contact your card issuer and explain the situation – a chargeback may be possible.
- If you suspect fraud: File a report with the police.
What you should never do
- Do not pay hastily without first checking whether there is an official free option.
- Do not rely on the '.at' domain name – it does not automatically mean that it is an Austrian authority.
- Do not share your personal data unnecessarily with third-party providers if you can also send it directly to the authorities.
- Do not ignore it if delivery fails to arrive – take action and demand your money back.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for a register of associations extract?
No. In Austria, you can get the extract from the Central Register of Associations (ZVR) free of charge and immediately as a download.
Where does the website get my data?
The site only has your data if you entered it there yourself. Authorities do not share data with such private intermediaries.
I have already paid and received nothing – what can I do?
Request a written refund from the provider. If they refuse, contact the Internet Ombudsstelle. If you paid by credit card, ask your card issuer about a chargeback. If you suspect fraud: report it to the police.
Is the site illegal?
Not fundamentally. As long as the document is actually delivered, the intermediation is permitted. However, it is expensive and unnecessary because the authorities offer the same extract for free.
What happens if I don't respond?
Nothing happens initially – you have not signed a contract and have no outstanding obligation. You can still get the extract for free directly from the ZVR.
Affected data
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Original source
Find more information in the original source.
Watchlist Internet ↗Update history
- 22/07/2026Description updated
- 14/07/2026Warning added from an official source