If it is advisable to apply for or renew your passport, watch out for on-line scams. Many search outcomes result in official-looking websites claiming to supply passport companies. A few of these are personal corporations charging for companies which might be free on the U.S. Division of State web site, whereas others are outright scams seeking to steal your cash and private info.
Belief Solely the Official Authorities Web site
Journey.State.Gov is the one official authorities web site for passport companies. Whereas some reliable corporations are registered with the U.S. Division of State and cost additional charges to help along with your software, these companies don’t expedite the method. You may apply for a passport simply as rapidly by yourself with out incurring extra prices.
Scammers create web sites that mimic the looks of official authorities websites, utilizing comparable names, flags, and seals. They cost wherever from $60 to a number of hundred {dollars} on high of the common passport price, promising that can assist you get a passport. Should you fall for these scams, you lose your cash and should expose your private info to identification thieves.
Tricks to Keep away from Passport Scams
Use the Official Web site: The U.S. Division of State handles all passport companies. Go to Journey.State.Gov on to keep away from fraudulent websites.
Free Kinds: The varieties to resume or apply for a passport are free. Anybody asking for fee for these varieties is a scammer.
Free Appointments: Establishing an appointment for instant journey wants is free. The Division of State’s passport companies and facilities don’t cost for appointments, and paying somebody to do it for you doesn’t velocity up the method.
Should you encounter a suspicious passport software web site or have paid a scammer, contact PassportVisaFraud@state.gov. You too can report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In case your private info has been misused, go to IdentityTheft.gov for help.
Keep vigilant when making use of for or renewing your passport on-line. Stick with the official authorities web site to keep away from scams and guarantee your private info stays safe. By following these tips, you’ll be able to safely navigate the passport software course of with out falling sufferer to fraudulent web sites.
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