Did you find yourself on pass-travel-usa.com while trying to apply or renew your US passport? You’re not alone! Here’s what to know if you’re trying to ascertain its legitimacy and what to do if you’ve already been charged by Pass-travel-usa.com.
What Exactly is Pass-travel-usa.com?
Pass-travel-usa.com pops up on Google when you search for US Passport Application. Its professional looking website would’ve you believe it’s the US government website for passport application and renewals. However, it isn’t so.
If you look closely you’d see the Disclaimer on top of the website ‘pass-travel-usa.com is a private agency unaffiliated with any government entity‘
Sadly, this is written in small prints and is often not seen by people.
Is It a Legit Site for US Passport Application?
No, Pass-travel-usa.com is not a legit US passport application website. Though it was launched in November 2022, there are no positive reviews or success story from people who’ve used the platform.
Rather, there are multiple complaints online from people who’re yet to get any tangible feedback after being charged by the website. Luckily, some banks do flag the transaction as ‘Fraud’.
However, aside from the application fee, your information is at risk. Pass-travel-usa.com collects sensitive information like –
- SSN
- Contact Address
- Credit Card Info
Which can be used to commit frauds like; identity theft, impersonation, credit card frauds, etc.
What to Do If You Accessed The Website
Like I mentioned earlier, pass-travel-usa.com is not a legit site. You’re at risk of identity theft and credit card fraud if submitted your details on the site.
As a result of this, here’s what you should do
Cancel the affected Credit Card and Request For a New Card
If the transaction is not already flagged as fraud by your bank, you should Immediately contact your bank and inform them of it. Request for card cancellation and ask for a new credit card. Sign up for fraud alerts with your credit card company or bank. They’ll notify you if something fishy happens with your account.
Enroll in Identity Theft Monitoring
Identity theft monitory services like Experian or Aura monitor databases that collect different types of information. When you enroll with them, you’d receive an alert notifying you of suspicious activities like –
- a change of address request
- court or arrest records
- orders for new utility, cable, or wireless services
- an application for a payday loan, etc.
Experian.com for example, has a basic Identity Theft monitoring plan which is free. I advise that you sign up for it, if you can’t afford the premium plan which is $24.99 monthly.
How To Recover Your Money From Pass-travel-usa.com
Getting a refund is possible. You can either contact the website via support@passport-help.zendesk.com and (321) 221-5210. There are reports of successful refunds from Pass Travel USA. However, if your refund request isn’t granted you should contact your bank and request for a chargeback. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too late to get your money back.
Tips on How To Prevent Credit Card Fraud
- Always Use Secure Websites. Whenever you’re entering your credit card info online, look for “https://” in the web address. The “s” means it’s a secure site.
- Stay Alert from Phishing: Don’t Click on Links in Suspicious emails.
- Keep your PIN and passwords super secret. If you must share them, change them after the person is done using them.
- Be careful with public Wi-Fi when making online purchases or bank transactions. It’s safer to use a secure network.
- After shopping or banking online, make sure to clear your browser’s cache. It helps keep your info safe.
- Before tossing important papers, like bank statements, shred them or burn them to protect your info.
- If you notice your card missing, tell your bank or creditor ASAP. They can help secure your account.
Final Thoughts
While you want fast and stress-free US passport application process, be wary of websites impersonating travel.state.gov. While some of these websites might just be middle men, there’s a couple of scam sites amongst them.
You could end up submitting your information on shady websites that would –
- Charge horrendous fees but fail to submit the US application form
- Steal your personal and sensitive information
- use your credit card details to commit crime like unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.
The only government established website for US passport application and renewals is travel.state.gov.
See my recent alert – 702 sw 8th str charge on credit card, Audible Charge on Credit Card.