They Sued Us But Failed. Let's Expose Them Again!

[@HONESTGUIDE]

UPDATE: The official voucher sales points' signage has been plastered just five days following our video! Small steps... twitter.com/janekrubes/status/1578406266355032068

[@francescocostagliola1237]

Well done! Great job for the public!

[@TheTundraTerror]

You love to see it!

[@boblast9074]

Hopefully y’all succeed

[@nooboard]

Just an Idea: Normaly everyone get a message via mobile phone that he/she is now in another network. The roaming messages. Why not just also send them a link to the online vignette too? Should be easy be done and cheap. Also placing a QR Codes on the parking lot should be a easy and cheap task. I would not wonder if the official points are bad on purpose bercause of "lobbying" against them. All bank cards should work, paying cash should not be more expensive than via bank card. The European Union should restrict private sales of vignettes. The prices have to be fixed. I would say that it is a discrimination of other EU citizen and that's not allowed by EU law.

[@asdfasdf8659]

If the gov shit doesn't work their company is doing good thing

[@yogidemis8513]

When a money making scam is working so well and everyone is getting their cut they are not gonna risk losing the money. Apparently, if government officials or anyone with rank who could stop it doesn't then most likely they are getting a cut somewhere in the pie.

[@NJTDover]

Typical schemes of banana republic of the past. Hard to believe that this is happening now. The responsible of this scam must be an official sitting at the top of the food chain ... organized crime.

[@Christy.Lm88]

Definitely.

[@525sixhundredMinutes]

Yep, we call that "red tape" where we're from. Wanna put up a business? You're going to have to pay a loooooooooooooooooooooot of people

[@bassmaster135790666]

Just like interlock systems (breathalyzer systems) they can charge you fees that are not legal but since the state gets $15 from every charge the government never stops it.

[@fortresstraining]

Well in America the government is just lazy af so maybe thats not the only reason

[@MaskOfCinder]

Scam Company: We are suing you! Honest Guide: Why? Scam Company: Because we’re ripping off people and you’re pointing it out!

[@GameFuMaster]

tbh, they are a reseller, meaning they need to be making some profit. And of course if the official machines often don't work, then they're providing a service. But we all know the real reason why nothing is being done to change this, someone's getting a cut.

[@RvLeshrac]

@@GameFuMaster No, in the US, we have emissions testing. There is a fixed price by law, you cannot charge more, for any reason. If you don't like it, you can simply not offer the service. The same thing here. They can sell the stickers for the official price, or they can simply stop selling them.

[@jordanwhite7222]

@@RvLeshrac in czech the only requirement needed for upsaling vignettes is notification of price increase which usually would be in the paper you sign your name on and dont feel like reading all of. So long as its in the contract you sign when paying or its mentioned somewhere on the building/inside then it is completely legal. Completely fault of tourists for not researching where they wanna travel

[@hatujemeletsplayeryheskyce6460]

​@@GameFuMastermaybe you didn't pay attention to the video or you don't understand. It's illegal to resell the vignette for a different price, so what they do is that they exchange the currency at a bad rate without your permission and then they sell you the vignette.

[@snowmcsnow4732]

So many scams. Thank you for bringing light to all of this , you are a real hero!

[@davidgardener1152]

Wow. Love that you are doing this! Imagine if all these little scams were solved like this! The world would be so much nicer!

[@whomiswhowespeaktobutwhoiswhom]

I would guess that it’s because the government gets kickbacks from these places and that’s the reason they don’t make signs for people to find the official exchanges.

[@kennethricher45]

I have a strong feeling that the business owner and gov official who said the old signs are sufficient, are probably golf buddies.

[@KabobHope]

I would have passed you by thinking you're a huckster when I see this official-looking building. I wouldn't bother with the suspicious-looking ATM's either. My best defense would be to purchase online ahead of time.

[@hieudang3511]

Keep up the good work Ur doing bringing light to these issues . . 👍🌟👍🌟👍

[@bengieDMZ]

“Can you hear me?” “No…” But You didn’t have to cut me off meme

[@arleas]

Someone is getting kickbacks and that's why nobody wants to "fix" this. They'd lose their revenue stream.

[@lukas_mjs]

Him on the phone: "Can you hear me?" The woman: "No I can't" Bruv

[@torgrimhanssen5100]

In Norway, when terminal has bobo, free passage.

[@kenneththorberg6914]

I just wonder how many politicians and other officials that has financial interests in the unofficial sale booth ?

[@ncuco]

was talking to a friend and we both love your channel and were wondering why only prague? i know you are from there, but any other reason? Budapest would be a great place for this.

[@KJ-xt3yu]

Actions speak louder than words.

[@KJ-xt3yu]

The action that you are taking to correctly educate and fix the issue all while getting sues for doing so and also getting stonewalled, lied to, and lead on in circles just for saying the truth.

[@KJ-xt3yu]

Shows your in the right. Sued*

[@CoughFee]

The fact that the Ministry of Interior doesn't feel there's a problem and that there are sufficient signs pointing people in the correct direction makes me think somebody from the interior ministry is in on the scam and benefiting monetarily.

[@VsourceEntertainment]

100% lol

[@alistairboyer]

Nah, it's just they don't want to admit they didn't do a good job with the signs in the first place.

[@RKBock]

@@alistairboyer trust me, if the ministry knows of the scam on their borders, and such an obvious one at that, this means that it's either getting removed quickly, or someone high up in the ministry is getting money from it.

[@foon-gee-us1884]

@@alistairboyer you are so naive lol Unless it was sarcasm

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

I was thinking the same thing. Not sure if that official has anything to do with it. But someone within the organisation is definitely benefiting it and they are interested in either doing as little as possible to get the scammers thrown out or slowing down/delaying the whole process so the scammers have time to move their operation elsewhere or make their final few bucks off the scheme.

[@SaraA-h3p]

Crossed in from Germany today and a very kind person told us to avoid them and saved us from the scam! We asked why he’s doing this and he said it was because of a couple of youtubers! We can only assume it was you guys, you’re awesome!

[@BobbyDukeArts]

Dude, it's so great that you're doing stuff like this. I cannot stand corruption and scams.

[@huntcringedown2721]

Whoa I didn't expect to see you here. The world is smol

[@MarldainLunas]

Uh oh my youtubers interests are overlapping

[@underwaterdick]

@@huntcringedown2721 wow! Finding a youtuber on KZbin, how novel 😉 Don't forget it is their workplace and the algorithm isn't stupid.

[@krumplethemal8831]

If you used your I-phone to write your comment, you were scammed..

[@bokocrew]

5* in "ATM Czech E-Vignette, E-známka"

[@TheClintonio]

The highway official being so direct and actually following up on it is honestly great to see.

[@holylettuce4730]

Lol you have fallen for the trap these officials are definitely being paid off by these companies.

[@hb1338]

If he is out on the road, he is neither important nor powerful.

[@TheClintonio]

@@hb1338 People high up can visit places for interviews and regularly do. I follow a lot of UK videos about our railways and officials are often by the tracks and on the train because it's important for PR.

[@angxang]

@@hb1338 Ignorant comment

[@c0mpu73rguy]

@@hb1338 Seriously, I see you everywhere on youtube and you’re always posting very dumb comments like that. Who are you?

[@III_SLEEP_III-Daevicus]

Sounds like the officials at the ministry are getting a cut, considering they evidently do not want this issue rectified. If they did, there would be no hesitation in getting rid of these companies, or putting up clearer signage. Nonetheless, thank you for the work you're putting in to helping people. It is an admirable stance, and I wish you all the best in your legal issues resulting from this.

[@hb1338]

Far more likely is that they are lazy and don't care.

[@atatat54321]

“Everyone who is responsible should be ashamed of themselves“. You know darn well that everyone who is responsible did this absolutely on purpose and they are making a cut. That’s how things work in central and eastern Europe (and a lot of other places) keep pushing it will shut them down eventually. Look what they’ve done with the public transport in Prague? those criminals have been making tens of millions of dollars for decades, overcharging people and taking cuts from ticket sales. Sickening.

[@asenivanov610]

I bet they are very ashamed. That is why with the "cut" money they go on an expensive vacations and have nice apartments

[@jordanwhite7222]

everyone who didnt google 1 thing about the transportation of a country before going there than blames the guy making legal money off idiots who didnt do exactly what i said above should be ashamed. If the white mans gonna come with all money and no brains why not make some money?

[@shuanminchia2298]

Well the problem might be even deeper than you think.... Maybe it is actually someone from the official owning the unofficial company.... (Why would anyone do anything if they can fatten their personal pockets?) 😅

[@Ariskot007]

Regarding officials - as someone living in Czech Republic I would bet on the good old incompetence rather than corruption.

[@ferrumignis]

This is extremely likely IMO. Even if corrupt government officials don't own the company there will be bribes being paid to ensure they run smoothly without interruption.

[@57thorns]

@@Ariskot007 Why not both? They usually go hand in hand.

[@blotski]

I have to admit that I got as far as 5 minutes into this video and I suspected that some officials are getting a payment from the booths and that's why they are colluding on not highlighting the official machines.

[@janami-dharmam]

@@blotski and that will be more like Russia or South Asia. Take your pick.

[@Ninyfive]

Wait, are you telling us they sued you for exposing a scam? Just. Wow.

[@MrMajsterixx]

what would u expect even the company that owns the scam exchange offices troughout europe treatend to sue him, it doesnt surprise me at all, what would surprise me is if they would win which doesnt happen

[@MrMajsterixx]

well they ofcourse win in the sense that theyr still existing but not in suing him for exposing it

[@backtoklondike]

@@MrMajsterixx It's a scare tactic. They know they can't win but they think that by suing Janek and Honza, that they won't fight it because either they'd be worried that they'd lose or it will cost them time and money. But this isn't Janek's and Honza's first rodeo.

[@janami-dharmam]

@@MrMajsterixx random exchange rates and more random fees are common in Europe and even in Germany. I discovered Pott exchange in Amsterdam is a very fair exchange office- really- surprised!

[@SievertSchreiber]

@@MrMajsterixx why would they win? They’re in the wrong in so many ways

[@sayurunethsilu]

As a guy from an ultra corrupt, bankrupt country (because of dirty politicians) seeing people like this, doing things like this makes me happy and motivates me to do something for my own country, great video !

[@duduken20]

I can guarantee you that since you did not say the name of your country people will think i'ts the same as theirs. Me for example!

[@subhuman8945]

@@duduken20 Could be any of ours. Let's just assume it's all of them.

[@ararune3734]

@@duduken20 He's from Sri Lanka, his name reveals it.

[@chaconcha]

If this was in my country they would be charging 2 or 3 times the official price.

[@darkslayer6911]

You mean england ?

[@SwordOfPersona]

Halfway wondering if the official machines were tampered with like damaging the card readers.

[@serpentine1983]

of course... Here in Chile the stores in the national bus terminals (Buses that travel to all around the country) ruin every vending machine (they never are working) (Coke for example) so that people have no other choice than to buy from the stores at 50% or more the price.

[@Boxygirl96]

@@serpentine1983 at least there I can understand why local stores would try and fight back against foreign companies leeching away all their business by undercutting their prices via vending machines

[@667SatansNeighbor]

They did that at a stadium I saw a concert at here in the states. No re-entry. Turned off ALL the drinking fountains. Tried the bathroom, nothing came out when you turn the cold nob, and instant hot water when turning the hot nob... They sold water for $5 per 16oz bottle... This was back in the early 90s. It made the news, because we, along with a ton of other people call the stations to report it. They investigated, and the venue said "all good, because there was nothing illegal about it"... laws were passed right after the story broke. No need to lawyer up or go to law enforcement for ANY wrong that has been done to you... Just go to the media if you want something done.

[@T34-E]

I'm not Czech and don't think I'll ever end up in Czechia, but thank you for your service to humanity. Your country is lucky to have someone like you.

[@auggie803]

-More like unlucky. Useless channel in every way.

[@leonmareno4599]

my experience was very bad in this country. For sure i don't ever imagine going back for another trip. I had to be very carefull everywhere. The best moment of my trip was when i crossed the border and came in germany.

[@CoolGobyFish]

@@Ana_crusis Chzechia is how the locals call it

[@MC-zr6gc]

@George Vcelar that's why I always tell people to do their due diligence before traveling to a foreign country, before they even get their plane ticket. I'm also a big fan of telling them to stop eating at OBVIOUS tourist trap eateries. Eat where the locals eat, for the most part, they know best

[@Afflictamine]

I had a great time in Prague but encountered at least two scammers, one got my friend with the 'pretend to be mute and deaf' and get them to 'donate' to charity lol, these people are absolute scumbags, if I wasn't a tourist there (or if there were people doing this here in my country Australia) then I would have gladly beat them

[@adrianmaracuja]

This is so funny and random.. I accidentally came across this video and realized you guys told me there’s a machine further down when crossing the German/Czech border 😂 First I was confused but tried it anyways and was pleasantly surprised after we found the machines, it did work for us! Thank you!!

[@bokocrew]

"Wechsel Change Cambio" Please post 1* review in google maps, thank you.

[@bokocrew]

5* in "ATM Czech E-Vignette, E-známka"

[@danielrose1392]

@@bokocrew And also add a review in your language telling what you can do there. It helps the place to be found when tourists search in whatever language.

[@druegnor1703]

well..if the machine broke down..you can always buy it at the unofficial store..just a extra $$ to replace your convenience

[@bokocrew]

thank you @@danielrose1392 I'll do that also!

[@-41337]

The question you have to ask about these government officials is: How are they benefitting financially from these scammers? They must be involved somehow with the company to not fix it.

[@TheCerovec]

They own the companies. Not directly but they do

[@johnkelly1083]

I'm thinking the same thing. This can't be purely down to incompetence.

[@Suplyndmnd]

Yep! There's no other explanation.

[@druegnor1703]

I think the company is needed as they sell people 'convenience' from touching the broken down machine..instead i think they can charge more by putting chairs, waiting room with fan, or some umbrella to the waiting lines while giving out coffee..that way they can justified the extra cost instead of this stupid 'converting' currency scam

[@tsdobbi]

That was my first thought. Someone in government is profiting from this.

[@TrippinWithKenny]

I tried to order mine online, but it wouldn't accept any of my cards. We went to the border and found the actual machines. It worked just fine. Thanks for keeping us from getting scammed.

[@shawanatomlin164]

When we tried the machines, last year in spring, they both didn't work. Neither did ordering online. We had no choice but to pay 19€. We spend over an hour at the border to figure things out.

[@waynej747]

“Everyone responsible for this should be ashamed of themselves”. Some of those responsible are probably getting kickbacks from the private companies.

[@paxhumana2015]

That is why you get lots of handcuffs, lots of darts, a lot of things to make sleeping agents, and a dart gun, then get all of the people together that have been scammed, and do some justice on the corrupt officials.

[@raiyandansson]

@@paxhumana2015 This is europe, not america where u can storm the capitol for no good reason

[@rbshah1944]

@@raiyandansson Absolutely not. Comment you reied on is logical completely.

[@dbadaddy7386]

@@raiyandansson That's because Europeans are the property of their government and not citizens. Waiving a copy of the laws guaranteeing your rights to the government thugs kicking in your door is less effective at protecting those rights than a large caliber bullet. Property isn't allowed to defend itself against its master, only citizens can. That lesson should have been learned in the 1930s.

[@BOOSETO]

Probably? It's obvious. But next to impossible to prove if it's cash handoff. Why the pencil neck weasels in govt feel so comfortable doing it

[@foxtailedcritter]

Glad they failed in sueing. What you do is honest and important you shouldn't be silenced by fear, force or sueing. (Sorry if my English is mixed) I think the word is sueing.

[@reidleblanc3140]

yeah, it's spelled "suing" though it would flow better to say "lawsuit" instead, though

[@janami-dharmam]

we understand exactly what you are trying to say. But it is easy to silence tourists.

[@RowdyLpx]

Your English is good!

[@bokocrew]

"Wechsel Change Cambio" Please post 1* review in google maps, thank you.

[@bokocrew]

5* in "ATM Czech E-Vignette, E-známka"

[@piplo1734]

It amazes me the time and dedication they spend to try and make their city/country a better place. I wish honesty was a more common value in the world. Thank you so much for the work you do. Thank you for delivering honesty whereever you can

[@quentindescotte6037]

And what is better is that it’s now kind of their job as it’s a successful youtube channel

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

If everyone was like them there would be no corruption.

[@bokocrew]

5* in "ATM Czech E-Vignette, E-známka"

[@newmankidman5763]

Piplo, although what they are doing is great, this is their job, and they make a lot of money from KZbin. They posted this video just three days ago, and they have already made 800 US Dollars on it for 1 day's work, and it will grow into thousands of Dollars. I am happy for their success, and may they continue to make more money. I am saying this just to share information, and not to complain

[@baltulielkungsgunarsmiezis9714]

@@newmankidman5763 "although what they are doing is great, this is their job" A job they took on themselves because its right. "They posted this video just three days ago, and they have already made 800 US Dollars on it for 1 day's work" One days work?!? Clearlly youve never tried making quality video content.

[@kevinsmirnov264]

Ahhh, so that's why germany tried to place vignettes for foreigners only. They were sued on EU lvl and the plan terminated. Glad you made this video

[@cpt.mirones5109]

German Population is over milked by the corupt rulers so they had to look for additional livestock to feed their greed with.

[@goldenhate6649]

When I went to Italy for school (from the US), we were instructed to strictly pull money from banks, nowhere else. Same when I went to Greece. Also learned that my bank didn't charge for the transfers, so that was a nice surprise. Needless to say, a lot of venmo type apps were used during those trips. Though to be fair, I also checked the exchange rate daily, so no getting screwed there

[@grafzahl4698]

"so that's why germany tried to place vignettes for foreigners only" - That´s not correct. In their plans everybody ! need a vignette. But only foreigners should pay for it.

[@abyssmoon6940]

@@grafzahl4698 yeah because the Germans them self already pay for it in a separate tax so asking them to pay for a vignette would be not acceptable so instead of either removing the tax and using vignettes or if you pay the tax you get sent the vignette both would be possible options they presented it wrong and when then attacked gave up

[@CaribouEno]

@@grafzahl4698Oh in Germany it was way more smelly like that. They actually made the highway tolls in the same strict categories like the car registration tax - which makes no sense at all. The idea was to be able to reduce the prices of that tax by the exact same levels. It was only Bavaria (Germany's Texas) who wanted this and no one else - but because of the coalition CDU/CSU - they always get their special sauce when the conservative party CDU wins. And it was even worse. The CSU secretary responsable for that "foreigner toll" signed all contracts days BEFORE waiting the final verdict of the EuGH. >400 million Euros lost for contract breach. Bavarian populists were angry that in Austria, Switzerland and in Czech republic you pay for highways "but they do not pay in Germany" whereas in Northern German, countries do not have highway tolls (noticeable exception: France - which is more to the southwest).

[@criollitoification]

I watched Janek's prior vid on this topic and even a blind man can see that there are obviously some people high up in the Czech transportation and interior ministry and beyond who are getting kick-backs from the private companies running these toll booths. It's a no brainer.

[@EarthMagicBrno]

Yeah has to be official corruption so why not investigate that as well?

[@johnsmith-fz5pz]

the machines are shoved back into the parking lot next to garbage bins. or behind the big building.

[@TomJakobW]

The sweet, sweet fruits of lobbyism.

[@bokocrew]

5* in "ATM Czech E-Vignette, E-známka"

[@chrisjb241]

Government don't care cos they get paid rent by the resellers and for tickets as well. If they sell directly they loose out on rent

[@AnAZPatriot]

The kickbacks and bribes to the govt officials responsible for this will ensure this problem is never dealt with. Best of luck.

[@druegnor1703]

Nah, I think the company is needed as they sell people 'convenience' from touching the broken down machine..instead i think they sshould charge more by putting chairs, waiting room with fan, or some umbrella to the waiting lines while giving out coffee..that way they can justified the extra cost instead of this stupid 'converting' currency scam

[@diabl2master]

@@druegnor1703 Did you listen to yourself lol? The damn thing can be bought online 🤣

[@paxhumana2015]

...and the brute force and violence that will happen in return to the people that never fix the problem will most assuredly fix the problem.

[@8draco8]

@@druegnor1703 The thing is this whole circus with standing in lines and overpaying is just people being afraid of new things and/or lazy. I was driving trough Czech quite recently for the first time. I bought vignette and those videos was where I heard it for the first time that there's problem, that's because I bought it online. I did it before I left home. How I knew that I have to buy it? Well I just googled "what I need to drive car trough Czech", that's all. Everybody should do it because every country have different laws not only regarding vignettes but also stuff like mandatory car equipment.

[@viper22jc]

@@druegnor1703 you sound like a clown with what you just wrote lol. You can go to the machine or use your cell phone to pay.

[@boia9084]

im not from there, i likely never will visit anytime soon and i still LOVE watching these videos. I think this is awesome. I wish more countries had people like you helping tourists

[@KickassUncle]

You should try to visit Czechia, it is wonderful.

[@janami-dharmam]

Well, me too not from there but I am loving it. I was in Warsaw in June and I wanted to visit Prague but I could not. I plan to visit it next year definitely and I am planning from now.

[@500ccRabbit]

Every country, even Japan, has tourist scams

[@craig9365]

@@KickassUncle except for driving on your highways obviously. That part is friggin stupid.

[@TheSuperBoyProject]

Never say never

[@rugby342]

This tiny problem creates a huge amount money for corrupt officials and those officials need to be exposed & removed before this ends.

[@przygodyzmtb]

Tbh you want them to make money on some 5euro extra tickets rather than selling whole energy corporation that runs everything in Poland. Yes its happening in Poland right now and Id prefer our Prime Minister to have some vignette points instead of selling something that should never be sold. Our country no longer has control over energy segment.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@przygodyzmtb soon your energy bills will increase 400%, like in UK. This will be € billions for "shareholder investors", some people call them parasites. Customers pay the bills, staff do the work and supply the energy. Then corrupt government creates shareholder investor groups legal opportunity to come in and increase the bills and force down the wages so the rich dirty rotten exploitative political friendly take money off ordinary people. Didn't your prime minister try to limit the independent judges? When you see prime ministers try to limit the independence of judges then you know you have a nasty person playing a long game.

[@przygodyzmtb]

@@Google_Does_Evil_Now We already have 2.5x higher energy bills.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@przygodyzmtb exactly. In UK they announce increase in water prices of 11.5%. but these water companies are putting sewage in the rivers most days. They put the prices up and don't improve the system.

[@przygodyzmtb]

@@Google_Does_Evil_Now In Canada government is forcing milk producers to get rid of production part they overproduce so they dont lower market prices. Milk there is $7 for a bottle. In Netherlands there is that abomination "The Ministry of agriculture liquidation". They want to reduce meat production of Netherlands despite the fact that tiny country is 2nd biggest food exporter in the world, because cows fart and produce too much metan. :D I dunno where this is headig but needs to be stopped asap.

[@dusan549]

If you start pointing fingers in scams and problematic places in my country (Serbia) like Honest Guide does in Czech, very fast you wll be paid visit from people to tell you to stop. Very proud on Janek and Honza for Honest work.

[@svenboelling5251]

But these dogs are always inferior to people who do something for free.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

One wonders if the lawsuit was just a 'warning shot'. If they keep at it things will escalate.

[@dusan549]

@@TheGramophoneGirl That's why they need government support but unfortunately nobady will give the same.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

@@dusan549 I guess it IS the government doing this, or at least a senior official. Hence why the official machines are hidden away with little signage.

[@supaburger]

In my country Argentina he would of "accidentally" died already

[@MrBl0wfish]

Living in Hungary, let me tell you my friend... this is probably ran by some government officials that are pocketing part of the extra profit. That is why the machines are in the back, that is why the signs suck, and that is why there is no response from anywhere. This is standard practice in HU, hopefully you can make a change in CZ

[@peterc.1419]

Hungarians. Back in 1980 my parents were driving from Yugoslavia back to PL with USD from having traded in Yugo with items purchased in PL and DDR. My dad declared the USD. They took half of them. My parents had to appeal in court and return to Hungary and got back some of the money stolen by the Hungarians. I still get a bad vibe about the Hungarian government ever since that time.

[@Sagittarius-A-Star]

@@peterc.1419 Same in former Yugoslavia. Father of a friend warned us that they will try to rip us off by 10% on the tanking coupons ( sorry if it is not understandable ) which promptly happened. ( The coupons were 10% more worth than their nominal value - don't ask me why, this was communism. )

[@jeromereinarz421]

Same in Romania, about 20 years ago. My dad had about $20,000 cash and they took it all.

[@johnhaller5851]

@@jeromereinarz421 They do that in the US as well, anyone carrying that much money is considered to likely be a drug dealer. The minor difference is that you can try to get it back through court, and that the money doesn't directly go into someone's pocket, but the city is likely to use the money to pay the police salary.

[@willwunsche6940]

Corruption/scamming is wild. We need more people like you standing up against it, documenting, and bringing things to the public attention.

[@SandorFule]

For me (hungarian) this is a so familiar, bitter/sweet video. In the East-european countries the tourist must be careful, because there are cheaters everywhere. And see: They trust more a posh cheater than a humble helper. There is a proverb here: We hungarians cry when we laugh.

[@istenfasza7835]

Hungary is heaven. Try the real east, like Romania...

[@raduradu334]

@@istenfasza7835 in Romania there is no scam on vignete,you can buy it at any gas station at the official price,so fu

[@istenfasza7835]

@@raduradu334 Thank you for demonstrating my point.

[@zalansz9450]

@@raduradu334 relax kids...both Hungary and Romania are shit holes. Cheaters, thieves, scammers, pick pockets everywhere. As soon as they hear me speak English with my wife and kids- their antenna goes up and look at us as money bags to steal from. Spent a few days in Hungary last year and it makes me want to vomit...seeing all the angry, frustrated, dirt poor people who would do anything to scam you out of a few bucks. Romania is probably even worse...got our car window punched because we didn't have a romaninan license plate. I recommend all my friends to stay the hell away from Hungary and never spend their money there. There are beautiful places all over the world, where our money is better spent.

[@pokernadlac]

@@istenfasza7835 Very clever.. Sort out your problems, mate!

[@TomTremayne]

There should be much more consumer rights work like this on youtube. Excellent work guys, you're a credit to your country, your families and yourselves.

[@FlameEmber]

Czech Republic has a good name BECAUSE of Honest Guide. You are heroes for all us who want to visit your country and leave with happy experiences.

[@statrosa]

Absolutely! When I was there last time three years ago I felt so bad because everything was really just a bad scam. Then I found this channel and my faith in humanity was a little bit restored…

[@FlameEmber]

@@statrosa same. I follow Honest Guide to avoid all the scams and rip offs and go to the proper places for really great experiences. Even when it's my friends going and not me, I let them know all about Honest Guide and it's been life changing.

[@johnmc3862]

The Czech Republic has a bad name because of honest guide unfortunately.

[@bokocrew]

5* in "ATM Czech E-Vignette, E-známka"

[@LRM12o8]

@@johnmc3862 no, it has a bad name because of the scammers and the people who know, but don't care about it, people who rather hide the issues than doing something about them. People like you! Shooting the messenger doesn't make the bad news go away!

[@Garanon5]

Officials secretly getting kickbacks or even secretly owning scam companies, either way they are tacitly allowing such practices to continue because at the end of the day they're making money. Thank you for not being afraid to call people out for this despite whatever pressure they try to throw at you. It's people like you that maintain others faith in humanity, as corny as it sounds but it's true.

[@maxwellsterling]

I can almost imagine the company doing the scam gaslighting with "bro why do you care about a few euros ur obsessed", but cases like these are the worst for being "unimportant" enough to provide scammers a stepping stone to reach a next level: once you get used to a value of 1, a value of 2 is comparatively nearer than if you were used to 0, and once you get used to 2, 3 is just another extra number after instead of 3 whole numbers after.

[@paxhumana2015]

I would respond with "Bro, you know that you can become a prison b i t c h for the laundry list of crimes that you have committed here. Also, as for being obsessed, it seems that it is, ironically enough, yourself that is the obsessed one here, namely with committing the scam, as well as for trying to stop someone that is wise to your scam". Let them see who will last longer with this war, they with their scam, or myself with giving them bad press and causing them to lose their jobs, their freedom, and their lives?

[@theotherohlourdespadua1131]

As the old saying goes, "Drops of water wear away a stone"...

[@hippo5231]

Exactly. A dollar or 2 doesn't seem like a lot, but over years, over thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people, that's a lot of money...

[@anatolydyatlov963]

God damn it, the fact that I know what's in the rest of your profile pic makes me uneasy...

[@cancerino666]

@@hippo5231 It's not just the money even. How much human life is spent per year making lines to those stores. How much energy spent on cars idling in the parking lot to keep AC/some appliance running? All when the tickets can be bought online?

[@nacoran]

In the U.S. a lot of towns have links on their pages where you can get an official copy of your birth certificate. The links go to outside sites that charge for them (up to $50, last I saw), despite the fact that if you actually get in touch with the appropriate agency it's often actually free, or just a nominal charge to cover the envelope.

[@whocares9033]

Same thing with change of address forms I was a fraud analyst at a giant bank, and I can't tell you how many people fell for those particular scams

[@Cody-Bear]

I've only lived in California and Oregon. I've ordered my birth certificate, moms and grandmas birth certificate from the county level in California and same with my mom's and grandma's death certificate on the county level. Only place I kinda found out for city level birth or death certificates is for Fall River, Massachusetts. Other place would be NYC which I think has a separate system than New York State at keeping birth and Death certificates for a set amount of time? I cannot remember the details, but I've vaguely looked into for genealogy because my dad's parents were both born in NYC.

[@niksimmons4448]

Don't get me started on the places that say they can speed up your passport application. It costs more than the official one but the turn around takes around the same time.

[@MrTrollo2]

do they have links or do they have adds? becaus that's like a complete different thing here

[@jryan9547]

I live in a state I was not born in and ordered a replacement birth cert from a state website and it was only a few bucks. Never order from third party lol The state was easy enough to use.

[@BBQandStreetCars]

I've never traveled to your country but what your doing is awesome. Trying to help fellow man to not get screwed over, we need more ppl to think like this in the world. Keep up the good work. From Texas, USA

[@michaelg.294]

I love how you were talking with the woman at the unofficial sales point and you asked "Can you hear me" and she replied "No, I can't"! Priceless!!!

[@adeyf7842]

If the Ministry of Transport, has installed very small signs, and deliberately put the ticket machines in hard to find places; Then I think the scam is not at the ticket booth, but actually a Government money making operation, in fining drivers that fail to purchase the Vignette. It would seem the these overcharging booths are in fact helping people get what they need.

[@mateuszzimon8216]

I also think that, i think also banner with information u CAN BUY via internet should stay near highway's where vignette is mandatory

[@DKofDAH]

I wouldn’t be surprised if so of your officials are in it too. Or else I don’t understand why the wouldn’t improve the situation. I’m so glad there are guys like you working against scammers. You really see how KZbin and their content creators improve everybody‘s life by pointing out what’s wrong in this world 👏👏👏

[@ravenmusic932]

The officials are 100% in it, so many big scams wouldn't be possible without it.

[@ferrumignis]

The evidence so far goes well beyond suspicion IMO. Why would the machines be hidden, unsigned and hard to use and yet the unofficial booths be permitted to be put up in prime locations? Many gears are being greased here. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see appeal goes through, directed by corrupt government officials.

[@57thorns]

@@ravenmusic932 There is definitely no question that the officials are paid off by the scammers.

[@mrsem6670]

@@57thorns I'll bet on they are the scammer them self or running the scam on the side.

[@SteelHex]

There is no doubt in my mind that some if not most of the officials are in on the scam. Why on earth would they allow a private company to set up a big ticket selling business right next to the official machines, then purposely refuse to put clear signs pointing to the official method?

[@samgunn12]

I was in Praha in the winter of 89-90 just a week after the Velvet Revolution. When I picked up my visa from the London embassy I was told that I could only exchange money at the official government bank. The thing is, the official exchange rate was ridiculous but I was worried that upon leaving the country I would be in trouble for not using the banks. A Czech friend, who gladly exchanged my money at a very reasonable rate, said to me, "What are you worried about? You come from a free country and you are a free man. Just tell them to f*** off if they give you any trouble ". I have never forgotten that. I love Czechia!

[@cyrolocker1229]

I won’t lie, The ministry of interior denying simple signs sounds hella suspicious I smell someone being bribed or on the inside

[@brandonpurple165]

It's probably like the Kolkata Police in India. Where they're being bribed by people who own the scam call centers to the point they are on Payroll. Someone is on Payroll to allow this

[@PhilippBorn]

To be be honest, I don't understand why so few people buy the vignette online. I'm from Germany and drove to Prague last May. I knew there's gonna be a requirement for a Vignette. And so i don't have to deal with any of that, I checked how I can get one before I start my 800km trip. Turns out, googling "czech vignette" brings you to the official site. Even the German ADAC links to it on their website.

[@alexb151]

I don't think as many people are as organised as you.

[@mpk33]

@@alexb151 Zee Germans are very organized & do things by zee book, ja...

[@petrnemecek4379]

The online option is relatively new, people are used to decades of paper vignettes and slow to readjust.

[@SeanHoulihane]

@@petrnemecek4379 Exactly, I was really surprised to be able to print out the receipt for my french pollution sticker and use it while waiting for the real, tamper proof sticker to arrive in the post.

[@zwenkwiel816]

it's cuz it's only a few euro's and when people go on vacation they don't really care about a few euro's. like 12 or 19 both seem plausible and reasonable if you have no idea what it's supposed to cost. unless you do your homework you'll horribly overpay for a ton of stuff when you're a tourist and that's ok IMO (to an extent of course) it's like when you go to some tourist market they'll charge you way more and you have to haggle them down to the actual price. (or don't if you don't care about overpaying) all part of the fun of being a tourist IMO and most of the time these "scams" are only possible because of the inequality between these countries. (like the amount being "scammed" is insignificant to the victim but means a lot to the "scammer" )

[@ernestradner156]

📌 I don’t know who but someone needs to hear this,Stock is the oldest online market we have done in the past years, we employ it because of the quality of services it renders and how successful it is, today we now say crypto currency too, You’ve got to stop saving all your money. Venture into investing some, if you really want financial stability.

[@hervenacitas8265]

Lately I’ve been thinking of buying cryptocurrency for retirement, I’ve set asides $350k to invest but along the line,I usually get cold feet, maybe because I have no idea what I’m doing, please I could really use some guidelines.

[@rachealmarcotte5255]

@@hervenacitas8265 In situations like this,I always recommend to people on getting guidance at least from someone that understands price action and all that while you strive on improving yourself by watching videos and learning fundamental analysis.

[@lorenzodias8738]

Investment guidance sounds like a great idea,thought about it before but never knew how to go about it.

[@harrisvangeest5134]

@@lorenzodias8738 I used to invest on my own because of making your money work for you mentality but never made any progress until I sought the guidance of Juan Antonio Landa and she has made me understand that strategy is everything.

[@sylwiapictrowska8013]

Wow…..Juan Antonio Landa?

[@themishmish101]

You need to get some volunteer hackers to follow the money trail. I'm sure they will enjoy exposing corrupt officials .

[@Pidalin]

Unfortunately, judge court would probably not accept such evidences obtained by this way, same as they don't accept phone tapping done without official injuction. They would probably get more problams than those scrammers. Welcome to Czech Republic. 🙂

[@themishmish101]

@@Pidalin anonymously my friend. The newspapers will report it . Through "a confidential source".

[@eternalemperorvalkorion750]

@@Pidalin when illegally conspiring against corrupt politicians best you investigate in a small closed group with a few media friends rather then go legally through a corrupt process ran by the same people

[@phobos258]

I love commitment you have to saving tourists that come to your country. We visited the Republic in 2018 (from the USA) and had the most wonderful time. our guides gave us tips much like you do about exchange rates and rip-offs, the place is to avoid and the places to go. As well as what we should be paying for things while we're out and about. everyone we met was friendly and we had good times, good food, and good beers.

[@TheMisanthrope.]

Have there ever been attempts on your life Honest Guide? You and your crew are heros! My best guess is that the Ministry of Interior is getting some form of benefit from these third party kiosks selling vignettes for higher price.

[@the3Dandres]

to be honest, this is 100% on the Czech government. the unofficial selling point is actually selling a useful service as the official way of doing things doesn't always work and is hard to get. with the "scamy" place at least it works 100% of the time...

[@TaronTT]

You should add Czech subtitles, and try present the video to the minister of internal affairs! Maybe if he sees the chaos with his own eyes he'll understand...

[@SimsHacks]

Every video on this channel is released in the same time in Czech language on the channel "Kluci z Prahy".

[@fatfurie]

they know.. theyre probably the people getting paid off the leave it the way it is

[@funkysmokee8764]

@@fatfurie exactly. people are making bank . corruption is everywhere.

[@isesaki3448]

The Minister of the internal affair must be taking bribes from the scammer company.

[@bradador1]

The minister is a coward with a fat belly

[@Nordcamp]

I'm planning a drive through Europe next year, and not ONLY did you teach me what a Vignette is, but thanks to you i'll be extra vigilant at the border crossings! Thank you so much for your stellar work!! Keep it up, don't let the scammers and thieves get any rest!

[@druegnor1703]

well..if the machine broke down..you can always buy it at the unofficial store..just a extra $$ to replace your convenience

[@peterc.1419]

Not all EU countries have such vignettes.

[@bandk2000]

Similar happens across shopping malls in Europe - if you are British! Since Brexit, if you go into a large mall or supermarket and pay by credit/debit card, you will be asked if you want to pay in Euro or Sterling. If you say Sterling, the shops do the exhange rate internally at an exorbitant charge, then you also have a charge from the card company on returning to the UK for using it to buy Euro! The lesson is, if you are British, when asked if you want to pay in Euro or Sterling, always choose euro, then there is only one exchange and charge by the card company/bank on returning to the UK. I'm not blaming the shopping malls, I'm sure that UK businesses do the same to anyone from Europe visiting the UK. The lesson is, always charge the local currency to your card and let the issuer of the card do the exchange rate.

[@MagicalKid]

Or just open an Euro account

[@jogennotsuki]

This happens to everyone paying with a card issued in a different currency than the local one.

[@Gnefitisis]

I'm glad that your countrymen are being punished. Good for them!

[@supertouring22]

This was in place long before Brexit. You need to get out more

[@michaelbruce5415]

Err, Brexit has not changed that

[@Altavilla22Mike]

You should do an investigative report that follows the money trail from scam booths to the top. I bet my life a high up politician has his hand in the cookie jar along with whoever owns these kiosks, why else would this be allowed? You figure they are making 9 Euros free and clear from every tourist that crosses... This is something only organized crime could cook up!

[@shisir_nayak2377]

I respect your endeavour to fix such a tiny problem. In India, there are bigger problems, not to mention tourist scams, in cases scammers physically assault for not falling for the scam.

[@yorkshireway150]

But isnt europe self proclaimed Savior of morality 😂😂😂. Atleast rest of the world accepts they have problems and issues

[@MrMajsterixx]

sad people yea, attack someone because they dont fall for your evil trap, hate such btchez

[@ricolorenz7307]

This is the kind of small community work that makes a huge difference. I hate how difficult it's made by the government and the corporations. Really hope you guys succeed

[@pbxn-3rdx-85percent]

Ministry official on phone: "The signs are sufficient. Now stop bothering me. I'm busy counting my kickbacks. I mean my money. I mean my beans. Yes I'm just counting beans."

[@craigmcpherson1455]

I imagine that lady on the phone to be that secretary with tons of makeup, filing her nails, and chewing gum.

[@silentvoiceinthedark5665]

I have never been to the Czech Republic, and have no plans to visit. I very much admire your courage and conviction to clean up the corruption in your country. I hope the people of your country support you

[@prazskyswag]

of course we do, we love janek rubeš and honzík 💪❤️

[@MrNici14]

Oh my lord, I wish I knew this last summer. Went through that border from Slovakia to Czech Rep. and man was I pissed! I waited in queue of 3 of those Vignette shops, just to get told, they only sell it in the shop next to them, even though they had written in f***ing huge letter they would sell it. So in the end I waited for about 30 min to buy that vignette. The fact that I even payed more than I should have, is the cherry on top.

[@vvolfbelorven7084]

Hey guys, you're doing the work of a responsible citizen in a free and democratic country. This starts with checking highway passes but it's the same process you employ to check those in power - and that highway pass company is exerting a kind of power. Keep it up! This is making Czechia great!

[@Miketz]

We get that type of corruption here in Australia as well. A company treats a minister for a night out on the company credit card, and the bare minimum of obligations to the people is observed. Good job in making this public.

[@YunScarlet]

If someone higher that could solve the problem easily but decide to ignore without take time to check, I'm sure somehow they got benefit from it. Especially when a scammer can run without getting sued. Even the official machine didn't work like trying to promote the unofficial booth

[@LiborTinka]

our PM is a suspect fraud who worked in secret service during communist regime - hence I lost all hopes for our country (the officials would care only if it brings them something - like higher position in office, being voted again or sth) but I don't care as I lost any faith in nation states anyway - they produce scams like this all the time simply because there is a monopoly - and when you manage money of other people there is always a corruption

[@Account-br9kc]

this is probably tied to some big mafia, I can kind of understand politicians being afraid to touch it, but they could have at least pointed to official ones and make them work

[@Miiike03]

Guys, awesome video! Could you please do a report on the MOI? ⚠ Honestly the interaction with MOI was a freaking disaster every single time (I speak as a Czech with foreign family members). I think they really leave a horrible impression of our country for the people who would like to live here. Information is impossible to find even for locals, nobody's answering the infoline phones, reservation slots are regularly booked-out weeks ahead, long queues and quite often rude staff. And the cherry on top - MOI *foreign* office staff often refuses to speak English with an excuse of "Czech is the administrative language".

[@korbell1089]

"The current signs are sufficient." That's code for...someone is getting kickbacks!

[@Schacal6666]

The justice system in the Czech Rep. seems to work.

[@johnnymartinjohansen]

I've driven quite a lot around Europe, and I usually buy vignettes at gas stations just before entering the contry that requires it. It's extremely rare that gas stations near borders doesn't sell them, and only once have I paid more than the official price, where they charged 50 eurocents in some fee, and that's fine by me. Btw, thanks for all your tireless efforts, we need people like you in all cities :)

[@jdl9623]

Janek, like seriously, have you consider being a tour guide for your country? You can show the tourist all the places that are not tourist traps and teach them how not to be scammed in Czech while on the bus. I think you may do pretty well and get alot of business.

[@nospam4279]

Been to Czech Republic several times. Wonderful country, beautiful sights, nice people, good beer. Great that you're doing this. Subscribed.

[@ismailjames3781]

I was in prague all of last week and I was wondering why I didn't see you lol. Glad to hear that you were doing the lord's work and sticking it to these crooks elsewhere!

[@criollitoification]

I agree! The Czech Secretary of Culture and Tourism should put up a bronze statue of Janek in Prague square so that we can all go and take selfies with him even when he's not there! Lol!

[@schwags1969]

Leave your false prophet out of it!!!!

[@criollitoification]

@@schwags1969 what on earth are you on about?

[@alexgrimm354]

I was there too the week before, didnt See him too

[@criollitoification]

@@BravoSeven I assumed so!

[@forsterchurch6242]

Great public service you're doing. Great form of journalism.

[@WallyTony]

What a ridiculous situation. They have ripped off my family so many times and we had no clue. Shame on the government for allowing this.

[@LiborTinka]

They don't care about shame, they care only about votes - you bet the booth will be removed the moment they will pose a slightest threat to the ruling party's popularity.

[@Kaniggel_]

The entire video gave me a good smile on my face and it makes me happy to see, that you guys are trying to make life better :) Cheers from Germany

[@VictorMedinaM]

You guys are awesome, I came fro Venezuela to work in Brno two years ago, I did almost all of your videos before taking the plane, thanks for making my life here better, beautiful people beautiful country. You really do a great job! Dekuju!

[@salarioso]

In March 2008 I was in Prague, and was getting harassed by scammers in the metro, and a gentleman that looked very similar to you was passing by and informed me of the scam, which helped me dodge the scam. I don't know if it was you, but if it was THANK YOU, and if it wasn't, again thank you for the incredible work that you are doing in bringing light to this issue and preventing thousands of people from being scammed.

[@PascalGienger]

Same in Paris 2019. "Helpers" looking as if they came from the transit authority RATP make you believe they buy the ticket for you at the machine. You give them Euro cash and then find out the ticket is not usable. That's now changing with the mandatory RFID/NFC cards.

[@odeode4338]

“Can you hear me?” “No I can not” 😂

[@mmrahman82]

You're a good man, and a credit to your country. Wish more people were like you

[@annnee6818]

You're awesome, keep fighting the good fight. I wonder if it's just apathy that is preventing low effort change or if someone higher up is getting a cut😏

[@mr.miller5041]

Good on you for what you're doing. And you're exactly right, people who realise that they got scammed out of a few Euros will not talk about the attendants at this vignette station, they'll talk about how they got ripped off in the Czech Republic. The Czechs are great people, likewise their neighbours in Slovakia. Beautiful countries with wonderful, very charming and cultured folk.

[@ianmcclellan7695]

I’m going to share on Twitter, because what you’ve filmed and the way you’ve put it all together needs to be shown. You’re a great credit to your country. ❤

[@hnfixed]

LOL now i feel like an idiot because we bought our digital vignette in exact this shop :D I have watched pretty much of your guys stuff but somehow missed the previous one about those scams. Nevermind Pragaue was awesome like always.

[@TheYamakasi007]

i'm Polish and i really love Cech. We always (me and my family) stop on the way to Austria. Usually i stop in Cieszyn and Mikulov or Znojmo. Till i watch previous video i wasn't aware of website where i can by vignette (poplatku). For me buying in this stands is grey zone and cheating. I sent it to all my friends and we found that not only it's cheaper to buy ticket online but you can fix dates when this ticket will work. It's great and really convenient because you don't need to stop on the border. Thank you! This border scam need to finish but i believe that officials don't care. Money is money and they got it from vending machines, website, scam posts or fees if they will catch you without vignette. Poland is very much the same. Be careful riding in Poland - fees in Poland really raised up recently for over speed, passing on pedestrian crossing, etc. Really love you guys - you are the best ambassadors of Czech!

[@zenon4383]

Why care just drive what the sign says. Poles are psychotic care drivers. It is now better a little bit

[@peterc.1419]

You're comparing the cost of a citation / traffic violation ticket to that of the toll road. A better comparison would be to compare Poland's Kulczyk's highway, I believe he was a PO / Tusk supporter tp the much cheaper PIS state toll freeways. And the best is PIS busting PO politicians and MPs for speeding and driving recklessly and taking their driving liceses away. Great job.

[@eddiebruv]

Thanks to your previous expose on this I remembered to get the vignette upon arrival in the Republic, and got it at the automated machine. We had a great time in Prague.

[@fwc2047]

Very glad to see that you never give up in the pursuit of the solution to these problems. Czech Republic doesn't deserve the bad fame it has around the world due to these travel issues. Keep it up J&H

[@PKPhoenix83]

I mean it kinda does. The government either doesn't care, is in league with the scammers or is so bloated and inefficient to the point it shouldn't exist.

[@greggrimer1428]

It definitely does deserve it. Prague is a terrible scam place.

[@fwc2047]

@@greggrimer1428 Czech Republic is not only Prague. And Prague is indeed a scam filled black hole, but it's also a beautiful city with tons of cultural value, good people and good food/beer.

[@Jean_villegas]

Watching your videos makes me wanna go to the Czech Republic. If i go ill def watch out for them scams, every country has different scams

[@SmartK8]

Yeah, this is like a stab to a heart for me. In the summer the machines were overwhelmed on some days (usually weekends) at borders with Germany. A banking terminal was doing payment settlement once a day, and if there's too much traffic, its transaction buffer was fully filled during a day (really early in some particular days). This caused cascade of problems. Still, it means there were enough transactions completed, for it to be overwhelmed. But.. the banking terminal is definitely a weak point in this. If the machine is out, it's usually a terminal. It will resume working after the problem is resolved, mostly automatically (unless there's something else). It was the first time, we've encountered this issue, it was the first time this many people were actually buying in one day. It's doing the settlement dynamically now, in addition to the daily settlements. I'm really sorry, if you were affected by this, and was forced to buy overpriced vignettes.

[@denmaakujin9161]

Man I wish you guys had camped outside the office, just to see how long they would have stayed 😂

[@vascovalente3929]

It´s a very interesting channel because you guys do something positive instead of acting like so many youtubers who thrive on jokes and stupid pranks. Kudos for you. I will visit your country soon, and in part it has to do with the way you publicize The Czech Republic :)

[@Zetornator]

you know you love this channel when u get a smile every time they upload! :D ty for the awesome work!

[@emphoenix247]

This is so bloody embarrassing and sad. We all know about scams in the centre, that happens in many big cities, but this is a whole new level and definitely not happening without the ministry knowing. Needs to go on tv, that seems to be only way to get anything moving.

[@KoxenBols]

I'm not big on traveling or anything, but for me, simple stuff like this is a huge deterrent for visiting countries as it kind of sets the tone for the entire trip, and makes you feel like you can't trust anything or anyone in fear of getting scammed. It's also a bad reputation to have in general for a country, especially if tourism is an important income. Good job for trying to do something about it

[@sunmethods]

You should send someone into the company's sales point with a hidden microphone and ask if they're a private company, if they're the only way to get a vignette, if they're the official sales point, etc.