Passport Scams and Fraud: How to Protect Yourself from Predatory Services

Scams targeting passport applicants spike when processing delays and urgent travel increase. Unscrupulous actors promise guaranteed expedited service, request unusual payments, or collect your identity information for fraudulent use. This article identifies common scams, red flags, and defenses to protect your documents and identity.

"Legitimate passport services will never guarantee issuance or ask you to sign blank documents. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Common passport-related scams

• Guaranteed issuance: Any vendor promising guaranteed passage through the State Department or guaranteed same-day issuance is likely fraudulent.
• Upfront large deposits: Predatory expeditors demanding large non-refundable upfront fees with vague contracts are a major red flag.
• Phishing pages: Fake websites mimicking government portals to harvest personal data and payment details.
• Fake appointments: Scammers may sell fake agency appointment confirmations that are invalid at check-in.

How to verify legitimate service providers

Always cross-check any service against official Department of State guidance. Institutions that legally handle passport acceptance (post offices, county clerks) are authorized and will display clear fee schedules. Private expeditors should provide transparent contracts, verifiable references, and documented processes for refunds.

Red flags to watch for

• Pressure to sign documents quickly or accept verbal promises without written contracts.
• Asking for unnecessary personal information (e.g., copies of unrelated financial documents).
• Payment methods via wire transfer or non-traceable platforms for large sums.
• Non-government URLs that mimic official sites but have unusual domain names or typos.

Protecting your identity

Limit sharing of sensitive information to certified acceptance facilities and verified consular channels. Use secure payment methods and keep records of all transactions, receipts, and tracking numbers. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement and contact the Department of State if your passport application or identity was compromised.

What to do if you suspect youre targeted

1. Stop communication with the suspicious party and document all correspondence.
2. Contact your bank or payment provider to dispute unauthorized charges.
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if the scam occurred online.
4. If your passport was involved or you believe it is compromised, file DS-64 and follow replacement procedures.

Resources and verification tools

Use the Department of States official website for up-to-date fee schedules, acceptance facility locators, and alerts. To verify private companies, search independent consumer review sites and the Better Business Bureau. When in doubt, contact the National Passport Information Center before handing over money or documents.

Protecting yourself requires vigilance, but knowing the right steps makes it easier to spot scams and keep your travel plans intact. Always prioritize official channels and documented contracts when paying for services that touch your identity documents.