Better Business Bureau alleges passport, visa website misleads customers
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Better Business Bureau alleges passport, visa website misleads customers
USPassportandVisa.org is generating a wave of consumer complaints. The website is styled in patriotic red, white, and blue and claims to “make your immigration process easier.” Despite appearances, this is not an official government site. Consumers should know that this form is available for free from the U.S. Department of State, which is the only official agency that processes passport applications. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a website, use the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker to search for complaints.
One such site — USPassportandVisa.org — is generating a wave of consumer complaints, with 78 reports submitted to the BBB’s Scam Tracker.
Not a government site
The website is styled in patriotic red, white, and blue and claims to “make your immigration process easier.” But despite appearances, this is not an official government site.
A small disclaimer at the top states that the site is privately owned and not affiliated with any government agency. Still, it offers services such as “Apply for U.S. Passport Now” that prompt users to enter sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and credit card details.
What you’re really paying for
For a $88 fee, the website claims it will generate a pre-filled passport form. As stated in its user agreement, customers authorize the site to use their information for this purpose.
However, consumers should know that this form is available for free from the U.S. Department of State, which is the only official agency that processes passport applications.
How to safely apply for a passport
To apply for a passport the legitimate way:
Heads up: You’ll need to make two payments:
A $35 processing fee (paid to the facility)
A check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State (no cards accepted)
More lookalike sites
USPassportandVisa.org isn’t the only site charging for free government forms. Another one, MyPassportHub.com, offers similar services for a fee. Its disclaimer also admits that “the documents required to apply for a U.S. passport can also be obtained for free on the U.S. official Government Passport website.”
Check before you click
If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a website, use the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker to search for complaints or red flags.
For passport processing and other government services, the safest path is always the official one.
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