In honor of my Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, my assistant Gabriella Samuels is writing for my newsletter and blog a series of consumer tips inspired by TV reporter Elizabeth Margaret Danniher.
With the recent snow and ice storms that hit a large part of the U.S., a lot of us are looking forward to summer. As you plan your summer vacations, you might need to renew your passport, but be careful. Scammers are creating fake websites to steal personal and financial information.
Passport scams occur when scammers create fake websites that offer new passports, renewals, and expedited processing, all with official-looking flags and seals. Some also claim to be third-party passport renewal services, offering to handle the entire process for a fee, thereby saving you the trouble. These websites are dangerous because they extort money through bogus charges and steal personal data, enabling identity theft.
Some things to remember about applying for a new passport or renewing one:
- Go directly to the U.S. Department of State website: travel.state.gov
- Scammers will create websites that end in .com, .org, and/or .co. Avoid using these sites.
- Scammers promise expedited passport services but charge extra fees and may not even send in your application.
- Avoid websites that accept gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for passport fees.
- If you need a passport quickly, you can set up an appointment with a Department of State center free of charge.
Official companies that assist with passport applications exist and are registered with the U.S. Department of State. You can find out more information about these companies: here.
Report scam passport scammers and websites to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Visit IdentityTheft.gov if you suspect your personal identity is compromised.