New Warning For People In Minnesota Trying To Get A Passport

Now is the time when a lot of people in Minnesota are planning vacations, but while figuring out where to go is a fun decision to make, there are, unfortunately, other elements to be mindful of that are a lot less fun to think about.

For example, recently, the TSA warned travelers of security threats that exist in airports past their initial checkpoint, such as "juice jacking," where criminals steal personal information at USB charging stations, and there have been reports of scammers taking advantage of unsecured internet connections.

Another hot topic of conversation has been getting Real IDs and passports to travel, and now scammers are taking advantage of that and are misleading people into paying them for unnecessary services.

Travelers Warned To Beware Of Deceptive Passport & Visa Websites

Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned travelers about a website that is falsely claiming to facilitate international travel processes.

The website in question is PassportandVisa.org, and while it does have 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.

The website launched in January, and since then, the BBB Scam Tracker has received 78 reports detailing fraudulent activities associated with this website.

Travelers have reported paying approximately $88, expecting official travel documents, only to receive a simple PDF application that can be filled out for free on the U.S. Department of State website.

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The scam preys on people who are searching for passport or visa renewal information online. Fake websites such as this mimic official platforms, and collect personal information and fees under false pretenses.

So, what ultimately happens is that victims not only provide personal information, but they also give these scammers money. Then, they're left to complete the actual application process with the U.S. Department of State, incurring additional costs.

How To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of This Scam

The BBB recommends the following for those looking for a passport or visa:

• 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.

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Lastly, anyone who falls victim to a scam can help others by reporting it right away to the BBB Scam Tracker.