Better Business Bureau: Be aware of lookalike passport application and renewal websites after complaints from travelers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - If you are planning to travel outside the country this year, the Better Business Bureau has a warning about a website that claims to secure a passport or visa for a fee. WBRC is looking into claims after dozens of people submitted complaints to the BBB.

USPassportandVisa.org has patriotic colors and says the goal is to streamline and speed up the passport application process. On the website, it says its privately owned and not associated with any government agency. When you fill out the passport form, it asks for personal information including your social security number and credit card details.

The BBB tells us some travelers have reported paying upwards of $100 to this website, expecting official documents, only to receive a PDF application that can be filled out for free on the U.S. State Department website. So far, the BBB has received 78 reports submitted to the BBB’s Scam Tracker.

The BBB of Central and South Alabama says USPassportandVisa.org isn’t doing anything illegal as far as they know, but they want you to be aware of lookalike passport websites asking for personal information.

“We are certainly advising people, anything that’s not a website that is “.gov” should be looked at with great concern and should be checked out. If its “.com”, “.org”, “.us” things that like, that is probably not a legitimate passport service that you are using,” Carl Bates, President of the BBB of Central and South Alabama said.

Here are some important tips from the BBB on passport and renewals:

- Do thorough research and verify passport application and renewals directly through U.S. government official channels. Start with www.travel.state.gov to get information directly from the U.S. government.

- Allow ample processing time. Passport renewals can vary in processing times (both by U.S. mail or online). It’s best to plan before your trip. Plan on at least 4 to 6 weeks and consult with the U.S. Department of State website for current processing estimates to prevent rushing into potentially fraudulent quick-fix options from outside vendors.

- Verify website URLs. Official government websites end in “.gov”. Exercise caution with sponsored ads or suspicious URLs that mimic legitimate sites. Also, make sure the websites are secure.

- Avoid third-party services. Utilize BBB.org and BBB Scam Tracker to verify legitimate websites before sharing sensitive information online.

- Report scams. If you fall victim, you can report it immediately to www.BBB.org or call 205-558-2222.

Once again, you can fill out a passport application for FREE through the U.S. State Department’s website. You will eventually have to make payments to get an actual passport.

WBRC did reach out to USPassportandVisa.org, but we are still waiting to hear back.

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