Two Dutch climbers are paying a high price for a free ride.

The two friends—ages 27 and 30— are facing prosecution and a $3,100 fine for feigning exhaustion and requesting a rescue helicopter take them down the Austrian mountain they were climbing.

According to a Reuters report citing Austrian broadcaster ORF, the hikers set out to climb the 5,740-foot Little Goell peak near Salzburg, Austria in June. But they revealed their return plan by writing “we are going back by helicopter” in the climber’s book at the top of the peak.

The two then called for a rescue helicopter to take them back down the mountain.

Prosecutors are investigating whether the two abused emergency signals, a violation that could result in six months in jail or a fine.

"Basically we want to send a clear signal that help and rescue measures and search flights are only to be launched when absolutely necessary because there is always a risk for rescue teams," local official Helmut Fuerst told ORF.

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