pass travel usa better business bureau

Passport demand surge leads to scam warnings from Better Business Bureau

by KOMO Staff

SEATTLE (KOMO) — The U.S. Department of State is still struggling to keep up with the high demand for passports.

In the wake of the pandemic, more people are now traveling internationally, creating a backlog of passport applications, which has increased the wait time to get one.

The Better Business Bureau is now warning that scammers are capitalizing. It said it has received multiple reports of people who say they lost money when they filled out a form and paid money on a website they thought was legitimate.

RELATED: Travelers face passport processing delays amid summer surge in applications

The BBB urges people not to search how to get a passport online but to go right to the official government website, travel.gov.

Watch the video above for KOMO's interview with Logan Hickle of the BBB.

Better Business Bureau warns of online passport renewal scams

B IRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — As we hit record travel numbers this summer, it might be time to renew your passport. However, the Better Business Bureau is warning the public about renewal scams you could encounter online.

Birmingham BBB President and CEO Carl Bates joined CBS 42’s Investigate Reporter Jen Cardone to discuss red flags to watch out for. He said renewing your passport online is a new service offered by the government, so you don’t have to wait in line at the post office.

“It’s a test thing at this point and we’ve seen scammers immediately go right into this and try to take advantage of the public,” Bates said. “The way they’re primarily doing that is by putting up fake websites that look like passport websites, but end with .com or .us and not with .gov.”

If you’re not dealing with travel.state.gov , Bates said that’s not the real website and you could get your personal or credit card information stolen.

How the BBB Recommends you Best Protect Yourself:

• Do your research: Before renewing your passport, look up the most recent information on the renewal process. Go to travel.state.gov to confirm if online renewal services are available for passports.  The online site has specific instructions and there are only three potential renewal fees that range from $30 to $160 depending on your selection.  Remember that you do not have to pay a fee to fill out the required forms for a passport renewal. You only need to provide payment for the renewal.
• Give yourself time when renewing your passport: Processing times for passport renewals can change often. In addition to the indicated processing times, you should also consider the time it takes for your passport to arrive at the passport agency and then be mailed back to your home address. Check travel.state.gov to see current processing times and plan ahead. Giving yourself plenty of time may reduce your likelihood of searching for quicker options, some of which could be scams.
• Confirm the website’s URL before providing sensitive information:  It can be easy to click on a sponsored ad or an impostor website without noticing. Remember, government websites end in .gov but always take a closer look. Scammers can trick you into thinking URLs look legitimate when they aren’t. Before typing in sensitive information, check that the website and link are secure.
• Be wary of third-party websites:  There are legitimate passport assistance services, but check with  BBB.org  and  BBB Scam Tracker  first to ensure you aren’t sharing your personal or financial information with a scammer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.

Is Pass Travel USA a Legitimate Travel Agency?

Is Pass Travel USA Legitimate?

Pass Travel USA is a company that offers travel packages to the United States for a fraction of the cost of traditional travel agencies. Their website claims that they can get you a “cheap flight to the USA,” but is it really that easy?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Pass Travel USA to see if it’s legitimate and worth your money. We’ll explore their history, their services, and their reviews to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to use them.

So, is Pass Travel USA legitimate? Read on to find out.

What is Pass Travel USA?

Pass Travel USA is a travel subscription service that offers its members access to a variety of discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The company was founded in 2015 by two entrepreneurs, Michael and Matthew Bennett. Pass Travel USA is headquartered in New York City.

How does Pass Travel USA work?

Pass Travel USA members pay a monthly fee in exchange for access to a variety of discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The company offers a variety of membership plans, each with its own set of benefits.

The most basic plan, the “Passport Plan,” costs $99 per month and offers discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals. The “Premium Plan,” which costs $199 per month, offers all of the benefits of the Passport Plan plus discounts on cruises, tours, and other travel experiences.

Pass Travel USA members can redeem their discounts on a variety of travel providers, including airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. The company also offers a variety of travel guides and planning tools to help its members find the best deals on their trips.

Pass Travel USA is a legitimate company that has been in business for over five years. The company has a good reputation among its customers and has been featured in a variety of publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and USA Today.

However, it is important to note that Pass Travel USA is not a travel agency. The company does not book flights or hotels on your behalf. Instead, Pass Travel USA provides its members with discounts on travel-related expenses.

As with any travel subscription service, it is important to read the fine print before you sign up for a Pass Travel USA membership. Make sure you understand the terms of the membership agreement and what discounts are available.

Overall, Pass Travel USA is a legitimate company that offers its members a variety of discounts on travel-related expenses. However, it is important to read the fine print before you sign up for a membership to make sure you understand what you are getting.

Pass Travel USA is a travel subscription service that offers its members access to a variety of discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The company is legitimate and has been in business for over five years. However, it is important to read the fine print before you sign up for a membership to make sure you understand what you are getting.

Is Pass Travel USA legitimate?

Pass Travel USA is a travel agency that offers a variety of travel services, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. The company has been in business since 2010 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Pass Travel USA is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating. The company has also received positive reviews from customers on Trustpilot and other review sites.

Overall, Pass Travel USA appears to be a legitimate travel agency. However, it is important to note that no travel agency is immune to scams. It is always important to do your research before booking any travel arrangements, and to read the fine print of any contracts you sign.

Here are some tips for booking travel with Pass Travel USA:

• Do your research. Read reviews of Pass Travel USA and other travel agencies before booking your trip.
• Compare prices. Make sure you compare prices from multiple travel agencies before booking your trip.
• Read the fine print. Be sure to read the fine print of any contracts you sign with Pass Travel USA.
• Be aware of scams. Be aware of common travel scams, such as fake travel deals and phishing scams.

If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of Pass Travel USA, you can contact the company directly or file a complaint with the BBB.

What are the pros and cons of using Pass Travel USA?

There are a number of pros and cons to using Pass Travel USA. Here is a brief overview of some of the benefits and drawbacks of using the company:

• Pass Travel USA offers a wide variety of travel services, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• The company has a good reputation and is accredited by the BBB.
• Pass Travel USA offers competitive prices on travel arrangements.
• The company offers a variety of customer service options, including phone, email, and live chat.
• Pass Travel USA may not be the best option for travelers who are looking for the lowest possible price.
• The company may not have as many travel options as some other travel agencies.
• Pass Travel USA may not be the best option for travelers who are looking for a personalized travel experience.

Overall, Pass Travel USA is a legitimate travel agency that offers a variety of travel services. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of using the company before booking your trip.

Pass Travel USA is a travel agency that offers a variety of travel services. The company has been in business since 2010 and is accredited by the BBB. Overall, Pass Travel USA appears to be a legitimate travel agency. However, it is important to do your research before booking any travel arrangements, and to read the fine print of any contracts you sign.

Pass Travel USA is a legitimate travel agency that has been in business for over 20 years. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have an A+ rating. We are also members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

What services does Pass Travel USA offer?

We offer a wide range of travel services, including:

• Flight booking
• Hotel reservations
• Car rentals
• Cruise bookings
• Tour packages
• Visa assistance

How can I contact Pass Travel USA?

You can contact us by phone at 1-800-555-1212, by email at [email protected] , or by visiting our website at www.passtravelusa.com.

What are your payment terms?

We accept payment by credit card, debit card, or wire transfer.

What is your refund policy?

Our refund policy varies depending on the type of booking. For more information, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Do you offer a loyalty program?

Yes, we offer a loyalty program called Pass Perks. Members of Pass Perks earn points for every dollar they spend on travel with us. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future travel bookings.

What are some of your most popular destinations?

Some of our most popular destinations include:

• South America
• The Caribbean

Do you offer any special deals or discounts?

Yes, we offer a variety of special deals and discounts throughout the year. To stay up-to-date on our latest offers, please sign up for our email newsletter.

I’m looking for a specific type of travel experience. Can you help me find it?

Yes, we can help you find the perfect travel experience for your needs. Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help you find it.

Pass Travel USA is a legitimate travel agency that offers a variety of services to its customers. The company has been in business for over 20 years and has an excellent reputation. However, it is important to note that Pass Travel USA is not a travel insurance company. If you are looking for travel insurance, you should contact a reputable insurance company.

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The weirdly common, very expensive travel scam you should avoid

Do not click on that travel website (probably).

by Emily Stewart

Kathy could have sworn she called Qatar Airways to change her flight last spring. Looking through her call records now, she clearly didn’t. Instead, she wound up talking to a third-party booker called Infinity Travels. She has paid Infinity thousands of dollars she may never get back, even after spending countless hours trying.

Her labyrinth of a saga is hard to keep straight. In November 2022, she realized she would need to fly back home to Canada early from a trip to visit her husband in the Middle East scheduled for the following March. She called to make the switch. Kathy, who asked to withhold her last name to protect her privacy, spent six hours on the phone in the endeavor.

Initially, she says she was told she’d need to spend 1,650 Canadian dollars on a new flight and would get a CA$2,700 credit from the airline — she wanted a refund, not a credit, and was transferred to a supposed supervisor. The next agent told her she needed to pay CA$6,990 for the new flight and that she’d receive a refund of CA$8,080 after she had taken her departing flights. She took the deal, which was confirmed in an email from Infinity. “It was dumb of me,” she says. “But by this time it was 1 am and I was so tired.”

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That refund never came through, and Kathy has been locked in a battle with Infinity for months, which is taking place over WhatsApp and the phone. Infinity claimed the initial agent who offered her the refund was fired for making unauthorized deals. A subsequent agent she spoke to — while on her vacation — told her they would refund CA$4,250, nearly half the original amount promised. That was supposed to come through if she agreed not to dispute the CA$6,990 charge, which she did. That agent seems to have disappeared, too, after allegedly being promoted to a new job.

Kathy isn’t sure how she found that wrong number to make her flight change, but it seems likely she did an internet search and called the number that came up without checking its provenance. “It’s incredibly frustrating,” she says. “For me, the money sucks to lose, but it’s more like how are they getting away with doing this? Because I’m sure there are other people.”

There are. A look at TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau shows others have had similarly confusing experiences with Infinity.

People all over the world get sucked into a variety of travel-related schemes and scams all the time. In this day and age of vacation, sketchy websites and companies and third-party bookers abound.

Third-party booking websites and companies — meaning entities consumers can use to handle reservations without dealing directly with, for example, an airline — are everywhere. Not all of them are bad. Plenty of people use them without issue all the time, including popular ones such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Booking.com. But some of them employ shady and even fraudulent tactics.

In this day and age of vacation, sketchy websites and companies and third-party bookers abound

These operations seek to get consumers’ money by saying they’ll take care of their travel plans, booking their plane tickets, hotels, and rental cars, or even helping them get their passports faster. They then go on to charge exorbitant fees for executing the transaction or making minor changes and often give consumers the runaround. Sometimes, they never reserve anything at all. Victims of these scams show up at the airport for a flight that doesn’t exist, or appear at a hotel to sleep in a room that was never booked, and their money’s just gone.

Feelings can run high when people travel, whether they’re going to an event or spending time with family and friends or just getting a much-needed and much-anticipated break. “That’s one thing scammers prey on,” said Melanie McGovern, director of public relations and social media for the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, “the emotion of it all.”

Kathy’s emotions got the better of her the night she made that payment to Infinity — endless hours on the phone will do that to you. Since then, she has gotten about CA$325 back from Qatar Airways. After months of wrangling (and after I reached out for comment for this story), Infinity returned CA$1,816 to her. She’s got all of the documentation from the ordeal: emails, text messages, recorded phone calls. It’s just not clear whether any of that matters.

Kathy still has that number she first called saved in her phone as “Qatar Airways Help,” even though that’s not what it is. When you call the number now, the person on the other end of the line simply says, “Reservations.” It’s easy to see how people get tricked.

Qatar Airways said in a statement that Infinity is a travel agent that is entitled to sell its tickets, like many others, but that as an airline, “we do not forward phone calls to travel agents, and we do not accept agents making promises on our behalf.” Infinity said in an email it was “disappointed to hear about the poor experience by this individual” and did not respond to a follow-up email.

One of the primary ways fraudulent third-party companies suck people in is with the promise of a deal. They offer a price that seems too good to be true — because it is — and people’s internet-driven deal-hunting instincts take over.

“The biggest thing we see are the people who are using a third-party website trying to get something a little bit cheaper,” McGovern said. “We know travel can be really, really expensive, and ... people are trying to find an alternative.”

That’s what happened to Sarah, who asked for her last name to be withheld to protect her privacy, when she was trying to snag a flight to Iceland to see the northern lights in late 2022. Most of the flights she found were above her $800 budget, but she found one option for $755 from a website called Travelcation. After booking the trip, she received an email from the company saying the fare she had agreed to was no longer available and had increased to $995.

Sarah noted the email had weird language and grammatical errors, as did the company’s website, upon further inspection. She then googled “Travelcation scams.” “I started reading these horror stories,” she says. She responded to the email saying she didn’t agree to the new price and alerted her bank that any attempted charge would be unauthorized. “My card never ended up getting charged, so I managed to avoid the worst of it,” she says. She took a budget-friendlier trip to Puerto Rico instead.

A spokesperson for Travelcation said in an email that in the travel industry it’s “not uncommon” for prices to fluctuate because of issues such as airline ticket availability, dynamic pricing, taxes, fees, and other charges added during the booking process.

What is uncommon, or at least should be, is for prices to fluctuate after booking.

Reporting for this story, I spoke with multiple experts and individuals about their experiences with scammy websites and travel agencies and combed through complaints to the Better Business Bureau. Many of the strategies these entities employ are quite simple — and effective.

Some websites will figure out how to game search engines like Google . Travelers might think they’re calling Delta or Hilton or Hertz but are actually on the phone with someone else because they just called whatever number came up in search results or on some website without verifying it’s right. The numbers can be completely different from the actual phone number, or they might be one or two off — and 888 instead of 800.

Many of the strategies these entities employ are quite simple — and effective

In the same vein, consumers wind up on these websites because they appear in their searches, sometimes because those websites have paid to rank higher. People then book there, not realizing the website is untrustworthy. The site in question then follows up with a call or email saying that the price of the booking has increased to try to squeeze more out of consumers there, or they charge super-high fees for small changes. (Assuming they make the booking at all, which doesn’t always happen.)

Jim still isn’t entirely sure how he wound up in his predicament. He called Delta’s phone number on a voice over internet service (VoIP) to book a flight to San Francisco; in his first interaction, everything seemed fine. He got a confirmation email from a company called Boketo, not Delta, but he didn’t immediately notice. A while later, he realized his middle initial was incorrect on the reservation, so he called to change it. After agreeing to pay $200 and receiving a follow-up email, this time from an outfit called Travel Makers, it dawned on him he had been duped. “That’s when I recognized that I’m an idiot,” he says.

Jim reported the charges as fraud to his credit card company, which he thought would be the end of it. But in the lead-up to his trip, he says the agent he first dealt with began calling him and harassing him, saying she would not issue his tickets unless he restored the $200 payment. In the end, the flights went just fine, although Jim was worried until he successfully boarded his plane. He asked for his last name to be withheld out of fear of more harassment from the agent.

Jim’s phone records show he did indeed call Delta’s real number, which is quite disturbing. A spokesperson for Delta recommended consumers take extra precautions when using VoIP internet calling to make sure their service is secure. “Whenever we become aware of an alleged scam targeting our customers, including in this situation, we immediately conduct an investigation. Using the facts gained from an investigation, when able, we can then address each unique situation as appropriate with the necessary legal means at our disposal,” the spokesperson said.

Boketo did not respond to a request for comment for this story. When I reached out to Travel Makers for comment, someone purporting to be from the company said that it has nothing to do with Boketo and that the situation “seems like a case of misplaced anger.” They defended the extra $200 charge. Their email address was listed as Fly Cheapest Online.

There is no surefire way to scam-proof your life or even your next vacation, but there are measures you can take to try to protect yourself.

The first step is really to slow down, take a deep breath, and pay attention to what you’re doing, said Amy Nofziger, the director of fraud victim support with AARP. It’s not always easy — people’s lives are busy, and we’re often distracted or in a hurry or stressed. But those situations are where we’re likeliest to make mistakes.

“Even if you think you’re going to get the deal of the century, they’re going to get the deal of the century, not you”

Nofziger also said to be wary of offers that are really out of step with the rest of the market. “If you find the best deal on a flight or on a car, I would be really suspect of why it’s the best deal. Go into this with the mindset that I think this is a scam until I’m proven otherwise,” she says. “Even if you think you’re going to get the deal of the century, they’re going to get the deal of the century, not you.”

If the website’s charging you $500 less than everywhere else, question why that might be. Yes, it feels good to beat the system, but there might not be a system to beat. This goes not only for hotels and flights but also, for example, for expedited passport processing, which Nofziger says AARP gets complaints about weekly. Consumers pay some website extra to get their passports faster, only to hand over sensitive personal information in exchange for no quicker service. “There really is no ‘beat the system’ with the State Department,” she says. “I suggest everyone pull their passport out today, look at when it expires, and start the process.”

If you see a website offering what appears to be a good deal, open up another browser and type the name of that site in along with words like “scam,” “fraud,” and “reviews.” You might save yourself a real headache, depending on what you find. “Do your research,” McGovern says.

Experts say it generally is better to book directly with the hotel or airline or whatever you’re trying to accomplish, or at least to start there. And triple-check the number you’re calling. Really. “Travel agents can be reputable ... but you need to be clear that who you’re talking to is who you intended to talk to,” says Summer Hull, director of content at The Points Guy. “If you intended to talk to American Airlines and you’re now talking to a travel agency, that’s a red flag.”

You should also be suspicious if you get a follow-up phone call asking for more information. “Never provide personal information to an inbound call, even to an airline,” Hull says. “They should not be calling you to ask for your confirmation number or your credit card number or your flight plan,” she said. If you’re not sure it’s legitimate, say you’ll call them back.

There can be some recourse in the event you are scammed. You can try to dispute charges as fraud with your credit card company, which is why it’s always best to pay with a credit card (and not with Venmo, crypto, or a prepaid card). You can also report your experiences on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, TrustPilot, and other places, and, if necessary, contact law enforcement. Still, options are limited.

“Most people don’t think they’re ever going to be scammed, but unfortunately, I’ve had this job for 21 years, and I don’t see it going away anytime soon,” Nofziger says.

As for Kathy, she remains stuck in what feels like a doom loop, most of her refund still pending.

We live in a world that’s constantly trying to sucker us and trick us, where we’re always surrounded by scams big and small. It can feel impossible to navigate. Every two weeks, join Emily Stewart to look at all the little ways our economic systems control and manipulate the average person. Welcome to The Big Squeeze .

Sign up to get this column in your inbox .

Have ideas for a future column or thoughts on this one? Email [email protected] .

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Travelers report being misled by passport website as processing times increase

BALTIMORE — The surge in passport demand is causing significant delays for American travelers. Passport processing times are now taking around 10 to 13 weeks, and that doesn't include the roughly 4 weeks it could take to receive it in the mail. Meanwhile, global entry applications could take 4 to 6 months to process.

At the end of March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that demand for passports was "unprecedented," with the department receiving 500,000 applications per week, which is 30-40 percent higher than last year. However, as more people apply for passports and trusted traveler programs, some websites are trying to profit off these delays, and they may be after your personal information.

Karen Hensley mistakenly clicked on a third-party website while trying to renew her passport.

“I went to Google search and I typed in passport renewal,” said Hensley.

At first, Hensley clicked on the State Department’s website for additional information.

“I searched around and read a few things here, read a few things there, and then I needed to get back to the actual renewal form because I read enough and I went back to the Google search site and I accidentally clicked on one of the other sites,” said Hensley.

She filled out the form on Pass-Travel-USA.com, went to download it to mail it in, but saw there was a fee.

“The wake up that I wandered off the State Department's site was that they tried to talk me into buying high-end mail services to mail the passport,” Hensley said.

The site wanted a $60 fee for the filled out form, a service that’s available for free on the State Department's website, and it did not include the official processing fee.

“You'll have to pay the additional fund that you pay to the U.S. government for these documents, so you're getting charged twice. One is for a document you don't need because this is all stuff you can do yourself absolutely free,” said Angie Barnett, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland.

Barnett warned that more people are falling for these sites because more people are applying for passports or trusted traveler programs like Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check.

“You want to look for websites that end in .gov that's letting you know it's a legitimate website,” Barnett advised.

According to several BBB ScamTracker reports, customers of Pass-Travel-USA.com thought they were on a government website, but at the very bottom, and in small print, the website states it's a third-party service not affiliated with the U.S. government.

“They started asking for more than what you normally need for a passport renewal. I didn't really know that at the time, but later, when I got the correct site after all this, I saw that they didn't need my parent's birth dates and places of birth or my husband's social security number,” said Hensley.

“You've provided your personal identifying information to somebody who may or may not submit that form,” added Barnett.

There's no phone number listed on the website, no office address, and no information on who runs the business.

WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii filled out the contact form requesting additional information on the company and their services, but she hasn’t yet heard back.

“My advice is, of course, make sure you're on that government site again and again. And I did that, but I learned you’ve got to check every step of the way,” Hensley warned.

Barnett recommends consumers use a credit card when buying anything online so that you can dispute the charge if you suspect the website is fraudulent.

Since submitting their information, Hensley and her husband have put credit freezes on their accounts.

The best way to expedite your passport is through the State Department . Expedited processing is around 7 to 9 weeks plus $60, or travelers can make an appointment at a passport agency or center. Additionally, travelers can reach out to their members of Congress for additional assistance.

If you’re concerned your information could be used to steal your identity, click here .

Click here for additional information on Trusted Traveler Programs and how to apply for them.

And here are some additional tips on how you may be able to rush processing on your passport.

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Passport Scams on the Rise Amid Logjam of Applications

Fraudsters target desperate travelers facing months-long waits to renew.

With 2 million applications for U.S. passports in the pipeline, bad actors have exploited the bottleneck to try to take money from victims and run. Some of the con artists have pocketed victims’ personal and financial information, putting them at risk for identity theft.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) wrote to the State Department last week noting that many congressional offices have gotten reports that increasing numbers of their constituents have become targets of passport scams. The suburban Chicago lawmaker is among many in Congress demanding fixes.

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Underlying trends fuel the fraud. Some foreign countries are opening borders as COVID-19 vaccinations increase . And many Americans have a burning desire to travel after being homebound because of the pandemic. Some call their jaunts “revenge travel.”

There are waits of up to 4 1/2 months for passport renewals and up to three months if an applicant pays the government a $60 fee for expedited service, the State Department says.

Underwood calls the delays “incredibly frustrating” and says business people are losing out and constituents are missing reunions with loved ones, milestone birthdays and weddings abroad.

Fraudsters sell appointments, steal identities

Fraudsters follow the headlines and have swooped down like vultures to make a bad situation worse. Some purport to offer “expedited” service but don't deliver. Others have been selling the “urgent travel” appointments that the State Department offers free of charge at its 26 passport agencies and centers.

Scammers have sold the appointment slots for thousands of dollars to desperate travelers, the Better Business Bureau says. The chicanery prompted the State Department to temporarily disable its online booking system for  Urgent Travel Service   appointments at passport agencies and centers. Appointment made before the July 21 halt will be honored. And the stoppage does not affect so-called passport-acceptance facilities that include post offices, libraries and other local government offices. Several have online appointment scheduling not affected by the change.

Officials at State said the temporary halt occurred after third parties booked appointments online using automated programs, or bots, and put the slots up for sale. Outsiders “booked all available appointments within minutes of the appointments being posted,” department officials told wannabe travelers, “which prevented many of you from making appointments and made it difficult to determine if your appointment was legitimate or fraudulent."

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Adds the State Department: “We are not affiliated with any third-party appointment booking services, and we do not charge a fee to make an appointment."

On the eve of the shutdown, the Better Business Bureau issued a warning saying scammers had been posing as passport expeditors. “Along with money losses in these scams, passports contain critical personal information that unlocks identity theft for years to come,” says Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the  Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois . The sales took place on online forums, Facebook and other sites, he says.

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This year through July 27, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has received approximately 45 complaints about web domains offering passport processing, such as applications and renewals, officials say. Total losses surpassed $1,600, with individual losses in the range of $45 to $70, they say, warning:

“Potentially worse than the financial loss is the potential for identity theft after the victim has input their personal information into one of these fraudulent domains thinking they are applying for a passport.”

According to Bernas, there are legitimate passport expeditors — and they, too, have been hurt by the backlog. But many of the scams arise “from overseas with any scammer being able to create phony messages, emails, websites, Facebook posts, pop-up ads, etc.,” Bernas says.

AARP helpline logs reports of passport fraud

AARP's FraudWatch Network Helpline , 877-908-3360, has fielded complaints about passport fraud. Amy Nofziger, who oversees the helpline, says the complaints about passport, rental car and other travel issues are on the uptick.

A Los Angeles woman called the helpline after visiting a passport website with a legitimate-sounding name. She gave up her Social Security and credit card numbers and bank account information. Only after completing an online “application” did she realize she had revealed too much information. Passport applications do not ask for banking information. Take a look at the applications for a  first-time passport  and  a renewal .

According to the State Department, acceptable ways to pay passport fees vary based on whether the application is made by mail, at a passport acceptance facility or with a passport agency.

An Orange, California, man also called AARP's helpline after using a third party to apply online for a passport and being charged $39 — three times. Fortunately, he says, his bank recognized the charges were fraudulent.

For more about passport applications,  here's guidance  from the State Department.

The State Department urges people to report passport fraud by emailing [email protected].

AARP's Nofziger says even if a foreign trip is not on the horizon, it's a good idea to check the expiration date of your passport right now, so if needed you can “start the process” of applying for a new one.

Tips for avoiding passport scams:

• Avoid suspicious websites that purport to help you quickly obtain the little blue book. To investigate a site, search its name online with terms such as “reviews” and “complaints” and “scam."
• Check out companies using the Better Business Bureau's website .
• Be on guard for bad actors pretending to be from a government agency. Never trust an unsolicited phone call or email that asks for personal information or fees and supposedly is from the State Department or a passport agency.
• And a tip-off to a rip-off: a request to pay using gift cards, wire transfers or bitcoin. None are acceptable for passport fees.

Editor's Note: This was originally published on July 26, 2021, and has been updated to reflect FBI data on passport fraud complaints this year.

Katherine Skiba covers scams and fraud for AARP. Previously she was a reporter with the  Chicago Tribune ,  U.S. News & World Report , and the  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . She was a recipient of Harvard University's Nieman Fellowship and is the author of the book  Sister in the Band of Brothers: Embedded with the 101st Airborne in Iraq .

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Online Travel Agencies

Legitimate online travel agencies (bbb accredited websites).

Wish to save time and money, plan your ideal trip, compare deal prices and book your preferable airline tickets, hotel room or car rental online? Booking from legitimate and trustworthy travel websites is the best way to avoid the risks of being exploited, overcharged, scammed or ripped off. This list provides information about online travel agencies approved by the Better Business Bureau , after being thoroughly reviewed by the national consumer organization and successfully meeting all their strict requirements.

Wish to save time and money, plan your ideal trip, compare deal prices and book your preferable airline tickets, hotel room or car rental online?

Booking from legitimate and trustworthy travel websites is the best way to avoid the risks of being exploited, overcharged, scammed or ripped off. This list provides information about online travel agencies approved by the Better Business Bureau , after being thoroughly reviewed by the national consumer organization and successfully meeting all their strict requirements.

Found inaccurate or outdated information on this page? Has the BBB accreditation of a listed business been revoked?

Thanks for helping us keep this page up to date.

Recommended Reading

Consumer tips, how-to’s and articles that you may find interesting..

• Checklist: How to Find Out If a Website Is Legitimate or Not?
• The Effects of Falling Victim to a Scam
• Heads Up: 3 Common Online Scams to Be Aware of
• Profile: What is The Better Business Bureau?
• What Is a BBB Accredited Business?
• What is the Importance of BBB Accreditation for Consumers?
• Tips: What Should I Do After Being Scammed Online?
• The Sad Truth behind the Trustworthiness of Online Reviews

The mainstream travel industry is dominated by gigantic e-commerce websites that enable users to complete all their trip or vacation arrangements in one convenient place. Online travel agencies (OTA) are middleman-style companies that offer travelers the ability to book either each trip component (such as flights, hotel stays, cruises or car rentals) separately – or order bundled packages that include everything. The major players on this market provide convenient research tools that help consumers compare different features, find the best travel options for their specific schedule, destination, budget or style and enable them to mix and match various aspects of their trip. Due to their enormous size and massive market reach on a global level, OTAs have the power to offer very competitive prices, discount package deals, and even last-minute bargains. Moreover, to encourage travelers to book with them repeatedly, some of the largest travel booking sites operate loyalty programs that provide substantial benefits.

Consumer Tips: How Book Safely and Avoid Online Travel Agency Scams

Just like any other sector that involves consumers, businesses, and money that switches hands, the online travel market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals that operate online and look for potential victims. Scammers use many illegal, unethical or dishonest ways to trick and take advantage of unsuspecting travelers, who want to find a good deal. Criminals are constantly creating and promoting fake travel agencies on the internet that work for a short time, harvest as many victims as possible and then move on to the next fraudulent booking site – which carries a new name, logo, and URL. To be effective, these bogus travel websites are often professionally designed, look like legitimate platforms and advertise phony dirt-cheap deals to lure as many consumers as possible and steal either their identity or hard-earned money. In a different variation of this type of scam, con artists build duplicate websites of the most popular online travel services in the industry. They use their official trademarked brand assets, like logos, pictures, and unique graphic design and advertise low prices to attract more travelers and then viciously defraud them. Other shady companies use illegal or unethical business practices that may come in hidden charges and undisclosed fees, unjustified penalties, arbitrary flight time changes by the agency, booking ‘mistakes’ that cost much money to repair or unresponsive customer support that never provides actual help. Taking these steps will help you find credible and reliable online travel sites and complete your purchase in a safe, secure and satisfactory way:

Be Skeptical

Always suspect too-good-to-be-true bargains and overly low rates inconsistent with average market prices. These are often the strongest telltale signs of an upcoming scam.

Avoid Using Unfamiliar Agencies

If you use a third-party reservation provider for an upcoming trip, choose a well-known, trustworthy and reputable company.

Investigate the Online Travel Agency’s BBB Record

Check the website’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website. What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere. Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile. In addition, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation. If the company is not even listed with the BBB, this is a bad sign. On the other hand, if the travel booking site is certified as a BBB Accredited Business , it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when ordering goods and services on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general. Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.

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eLegitimate.com was established in 2013 with the goal to provide categorized information about BBB accredited businesses across a variety of industries, sectors and market niches.

When you are searching for legitimate, reputable and honest companies that are safe to do business with, treat customers with fairness and respect and offer reliable customer service – be sure to check out our website for companies that have passed the BBB’s test.

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BBB Scam of the Week: Making hotel reservations just got trickier

Utah-based third-party hotel room resellers have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers through ads, web pages, and call centers that led consumers to mistakenly believe they were reserving the rooms directly from the hotel, and failed to adequately tell consumers that their credit cards would be charged immediately, rather than after they arrived at the hotel.

This case is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to ensure consumers receive accurate information in connection with booking hotels so they can make informed choices.

Reservation Counter, LLC and its two parent companies, Partner Fusion, Inc. and TravelPASS Group, LLC, sell hotel room reservations, or bookings, to consumers nationwide.

They get hotel room inventory primarily through other online travel agencies such as Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz, and then market the rooms themselves.

Most of the defendants' hotel bookings result from search engine ads, which appear in response to consumers' online searches for hotels.

When consumers click on the link in one of the defendants' ads, they are sent to web pages owned by Reservation Counter and its parent companies that feature information about the hotel searched. Consumers can book rooms online or by calling the phone number listed in the companies' ads and web pages and speaking with sales agents at call centers controlled by the defendants.

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