Navigating the passport renewal process can be tricky, and unfortunately, it’s a fertile ground for online scams. Unsuspecting U.S. citizens may find themselves duped into paying unnecessary fees to fill out renewal forms that are freely available on the government’s official website. As of June 2024, eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passports online through a new pilot system. However, for those who do not qualify or prefer not to use the online system, traditional mail renewal remains an option. Here’s what you need to know to avoid falling victim to these scams.
How the Scam Works
Imagine you’re planning an exciting international trip. You search online for passport renewal information, and at the top of the results, you see what appears to be the official U.S. passport renewal website. The site outlines the required forms and offers the convenience of filling them out directly online. You proceed by entering personal details like your Social Security number, home address, and birth date.
After completing the form, the site demands a “processing fee” or an “application fee” and promises to send your completed form as a PDF in a confirmation email. When the email arrives, it reveals that you still need to pay for the actual passport renewal. At this point, you realize you’ve been scammed into paying for a form rather than the renewal itself, and worse, you’ve handed over sensitive personal and financial information to fraudsters.
Real Consumer Experiences
A consumer shared their experience with BBB Scam Tracker: “I went into the site assuming it was the State.gov site because it resembled it completely, including the URL. I did not notice that it ended as state.com, not state.gov. By the time I had submitted the application for my passport renewal and payment, I noticed that it was a fraud by the language on the confirmation page.”
Another consumer reported, “I went online to renew my father’s passport. I inputted all his personal information and was charged $68 – this company is posing as a government agency and scamming people.”
How to Avoid Passport Renewal Scams
To prevent falling victim to similar scams, follow these guidelines:
- Do Your Research: Before beginning the passport renewal process, verify the most recent information on the official U.S. government website. Ensure that online renewal services are indeed available and free of charge for the necessary forms. Only the actual passport renewal incurs a fee.
- Plan Ahead: Start the renewal process well in advance to avoid the temptation of faster, potentially scammy options. Consider the time required for your passport to be processed and mailed back to you. Visit state.gov to check current processing times. If needed, you can expedite the process through the U.S. government for an additional fee, which still takes several weeks.
- Verify Website URLs: Be vigilant about the URLs of websites before entering sensitive information. Government websites end in .gov, so always double-check for impostor websites that might look similar but end in .com or other domains. Ensure the website link is secure (look for “https” at the beginning of the URL).
- Be Cautious with Third-Party Websites: While there are legitimate passport assistance services, always verify their credibility through BBB.org. This ensures you’re not inadvertently sharing personal or financial information with scammers.
Additional Tips for Safe Passport Renewal
- Watch for Red Flags: Be wary of websites asking for fees to fill out forms, as this is a clear indication of a scam. The only fees you should pay are for the actual renewal process.
- Use Official Channels: Always start the renewal process through the official U.S. government website or contact the passport office directly for any questions.
- Report Scams: If you encounter or fall victim to a scam, report it immediately to BBB.org/ScamTracker to help warn others and aid in taking down fraudulent websites.
Where to Get More Information
For more assistance in preparing for your travels, visit BBB.org/Travel. If you spot a scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. For further assistance, you can also call BBB at 330-454-9401 to look up businesses, file complaints, read customer reviews, find tips, and stay updated on events. Follow BBB on social media for the latest updates and advice on avoiding scams.