This is not a scam. Many airlines now charge fuel surcharges (YQ) on awards and I know that can be very frustrating. You have already figured out that this is not a good deal for you, but for comparison the exact same route on an award in First Class would have only an additional $160 in fuel surcharges, which seems like a not terrible deal.
This is the taxes/surcharges breakdown for an economy award ORD-ZRH-ORD:
LX YQ surcharge (YQ) $440.00
US International Departure Tax (US) $16.30
US September 11th Security Fee (AY) $2.50
US Passenger Facility Charge (XF) $4.50
USDA APHIS Fee (XA) $5.00
US Immigration Fee (XY) $7.00
US Customs Fee (YC) $5.50
Swiss Airport Passenger Security & Noise Charge (CH) $45.60
US International Arrival Tax (US) $16.30