Passport / Visa Copycat-Application Fee Site
Copycat websites charge inflated 'service fees' to process passport renewals or visa applications you could do yourself officially — and harvest your identity documents. (Overlaps ESTA copycats.)
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Official-looking sites appear in ads and search results offering to handle US passport renewals/applications or foreign visas 'fast' for a service fee on top of (or instead of) the real government fee. They collect your passport, personal data, and payment, often doing little or nothing while overcharging. Passport and visa applications are handled through official government channels for the real fees; third-party 'expediters' should be scrutinized, and copycat sites avoided entirely.
What it usually looks like
- An official-looking passport/visa site reached via ad/search.
- A 'service fee' well above the government fee.
- Requests for passport and personal data.
- Urgency tied to travel deadlines.
Common warning signs
- Non-official (not .gov) sites charging extra.
- Fees far above the official amount.
- Ads/search links rather than the official portal.
- Guarantees of 'fast' or 'expedited' approval.
Example wording scammers use
“Renew your US passport online fast — official processing, $149 (real fees are a fraction).”
“Apply for your visa here with expedited, guaranteed service.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Inflated 'service fees.'
- Your passport and personal data.
- To impersonate official portals.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Use only the official government passport/visa sites (e.g., travel.state.gov for US passports).
- Ignore search ads and third-party 'expediters' you can't verify.
- Never overpay a copycat 'service.'
- Verify the exact official web address.
What to do if you already responded
- Dispute the charge; watch for misuse of your passport data.
- Complete the real application on the official site.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.