Milwaukee, Wis. – BBB is cautioning travelers about USPassportandVisa.org, a website falsely claiming to facilitate international travel processes. Despite a disclaimer stating it is not affiliated with any government agency, many consumers have been misled into believing they are on an official site for passport and visa applications or renewals.
Since the website’s launch in January of this year, BBB Scam Tracker has received 78 reports detailing fraudulent activities associated with this website. Travelers have reported paying approximately $88, expecting official documents, only to receive a simple PDF application that can be filled out for free on the U.S. Department of State website.
The scam operates by luring travelers to search for passport or visa renewal information online. Fake websites mimic official platforms, collecting personal information and fees under false pretenses. Subsequently, victims are left to complete the actual application process with the U.S. Department of State, incurring additional costs.
BBB recommends the following for those looking to renew their passport.
- Do thorough research. Verify passport renewal procedures directly through the U.S. government’s official channels. Authentic information is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees.
- Allow ample processing time. Passport renewals can vary in processing times. Plan ahead and consult the U.S. Department of State for current processing estimates to prevent rushing into potentially fraudulent quick-fix options.
- Verify website URLs. Official government websites end in .gov. Exercise caution with sponsored ads or suspicious URLs that mimic legitimate sites. Ensure websites are secure before entering personal information.
- Avoid third-party services. Utilize BBB.org and BBB Scam Tracker to verify legitimacy before sharing sensitive information online. Be cautious of impostor websites and protect yourself from potential scams.
- Report scams. If you encounter or fall victim to a scam, help others by reporting it promptly toBBB Scam Tracker.
For more information
See BBB’s travel HQ for more travel tips and resources.
Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.
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For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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