Protect yourself from common passport scams

Passport scams can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare by tricking travelers into paying fraudulent fees or sharing personal information.

And with Americans traveling internationally in record numbers, passport scams are on the rise too. According to BBB Scam Tracker data, more than 738 passport-related scam reports were filed in the first three months of 2026 — nearly half of the 1,450+ reports recorded throughout 2025.

Staying safe starts with knowing how to spot a passport scam as well as what to do if you become a victim. Read on to learn more about the most common passport scams, how they work, how to spot them, and what to do if you’re targeted.

1. Passport expediting scam

Passport expediting scams occur when fraudsters charge high fees, supposedly to speed up passport application processing. Some are unaffiliated middlemen that mark up official costs, while others take your money without providing any legitimate service.

These scams often begin with a web search for terms like “fast passport renewal,” leading to professional-looking websites that mimic legitimate services. Red flags include large upfront fees, promises of unrealistic turnaround times, or vague claims about government affiliation.

Only the U.S. Department of State can officially expedite a passport application, and the government expediting fee is $60. Third-party courier services can submit expedited applications on your behalf, but they cannot guarantee faster processing times than if you submitted directly to the State Department.

If you want help completing or submitting an application, before parting with any cash, verify any third party by checking the State Department’s list of registered third-party passport couriers.

2. Fake website scam

Fake passport website scams use convincing copies of government pages or trusted travel brands to steal money and personal information. You may land on a site that resembles a U.S. Department of State page or airline login and be tricked into paying bogus fees or sharing sensitive data, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or payment details.

These bogus sites can be especially difficult to spot because scammers can now build sophisticated fake websites quickly using AI, sometimes referred to as VibeScams.

Once scammers collect your personally identifiable information, they may use it to commit identity theft, open accounts in your name, or sell your data online.

For official passport services, go directly to the State Department’s official passport application portal, and take care not to get duped by any malicious communications trying to trick you into interacting with websites that don’t end in .gov.

3. Phishing or smishing scam

In a passport phishing or smishing scam, cybercriminals send emails or texts posing as government officials and claim you need to update an application, fix a payment issue, or confirm delivery.

These messages are often sent en masse during busy travel periods, when scammers know many people are waiting for passports. They may also target people who have posted publicly about upcoming trips. To create urgency, scammers use warnings such as “Final notification: your passport renewal will be canceled in 24 hours.”

Phishing and smishing messages may ask for payment directly, link to fake login pages, or include attachments that install malware. Warning signs include urgent language, spelling errors, unfamiliar sender addresses, and requests for personal information you wouldn’t normally share by email or text.

To help stay safe, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Instead, check the status of your application by navigating directly to an official government passport website by typing the address into your browser, or using a verified bookmark.

4. Passport fraud scams

Passport fraud scams are ploys for stealing, altering, or counterfeiting passports in order to assume someone else’s identity or create a new synthetic identity. In many cases, U.S. passport fraud forms part of a broader identity theft scheme.

A scammer may ask to see your passport under the guise of an identity check or online age verification. Once they obtain your passport number, they may combine it with other personal information, such as your Social Security number, to apply for loans, open accounts, or commit other forms of fraud.

Be cautious if someone unexpectedly asks for passport details over the phone, online, or after you’ve posted travel plans publicly. Never engage with anyone offering to sell you a passport.

If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State and monitor your financial and online accounts for suspicious activity.

How to protect yourself from falling victim to a passport scam

You can help protect yourself from passport scams by making sure to only use official government websites for applications, renewals, and expedited services, and by limiting where you share sensitive information such as your passport number or Social Security number.

These tips can help you stay safer when applying for, renewing, or traveling with a U.S. passport:

• Use official government websites: Go directly to the U.S. Department of State website for passport applications, renewals, status updates, and expedited service information.
• Be wary of “guaranteed” fast-track offers: Official expedited options are listed on government websites. Promises of unrealistic turnaround times in exchange for large fees are a major warning sign.
• Never share passport details by email or text: Legitimate U.S. passport application assistance agencies won’t ask for sensitive information through unsolicited messages.
• Be cautious of urgent calls, emails, or ads: Scammers may claim there is a problem with your application or an approaching deadline to pressure you into paying quickly.
• Use a credit card when paying fees: Credit cards generally provide stronger fraud protections than wire transfers. Never pay for government services using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Don’t pay for free forms or appointments: Passport forms and appointment bookings are available through official government channels without third-party access fees.
• Research third-party services before paying: Look for a legitimate physical address, credible reviews, transparent pricing, and clear information about any government affiliation.
• Keep your passport safe: When traveling with a passport, keep it in a secure location, such as a hotel safe, when you do not need to carry it.
• Know what to do if you lose your passport: Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider setting fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus. If you can’t locate it quickly or suspect theft, report it to the U.S. Department of State.
• Act quickly if your passport is lost or stolen: Report stolen or lost passports to the U.S. Department of State. Then, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider placing fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus.
• Keep secure digital backups: Safely store digital documents and keep encrypted or password-protected copies of your passport. A backup cannot replace the original, but it may help with identification and recovery if your passport is lost while traveling.

The safest ways to apply for or renew a passport

The safest and most reliable way to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is directly through official U.S. Department of State websites.

Official passport resources include:

Sticking to these official sources helps you reduce your exposure to passport and renewal scams, ensures you pay the correct fees, and allows you to better protect your personal information.

Some legitimate third-party passport services can assist with paperwork or courier delivery. Before using one, verify its credentials, review its reputation, and compare its claims and process against official Department of State guidance.

What to do if a scammer has your passport details

If you’ve been scammed and you believe a scammer has your passport details, act quickly to limit the damage and reduce your risk of identity theft. Cybercriminals may use stolen passport details to open accounts, commit travel fraud, or impersonate you.

Take the following steps to prevent further damage:

• Report your passport stolen (if applicable): If your passport is lost or stolen, report it online immediately at the U.S. Department of State website. Or, print and fill out form DS-64 and submit by mail.
• Report the scam: File reports with the U.S. Department of State website and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Contact the credit bureaus: Contact the major credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on your accounts, and monitor your credit reports to catch any unauthorized activity.
• Contact your financial institutions: Notify your bank and credit card issuers so they can flag your accounts for possible fraud and advise you on additional protections.
• Monitor for signs of fraud: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements, credit reports, email inbox, and transaction history for unfamiliar charges, accounts, or login attempts.

As a general precaution, it's also worth resetting your passwords — especially if you reused any of them on the scam site — and enabling two-factor authentication where possible.

Protect your identity and your vacation with LifeLock

Passport scams can ruin your vacation and put your identity at risk, but LifeLock can help you stay ahead of their schemes with Dark Web Monitoring, identity alerts, and Scam Support designed to help you spot suspicious activity faster.

And, if fraud does occur, you also get up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible scam losses, plus access to U.S.-based Restoration Specialists and a Restoration Guarantee to help guide you through recovery.

FAQs

How do you spot a fake passport?

To spot a fake passport, check for inconsistencies in the passport number, typeface, lamination, and personal details. Genuine passports carry country-specific security features like holograms, microprinting, and RFID chips. If something looks off, verify it with the U.S. Department of State or border officials.

Is it safe to apply for a passport online?

Yes, it’s safe to apply for a passport online, but only through official government websites like travel.state.gov and third-party sites registered with the U.S. Department of State. Avoid any service that charges for free government forms or asks for information it doesn't need.

Are passport expediting services legitimate?

Yes, some passport expediting services are legitimate, but you should always verify that the company is registered with the U.S. Department of State. Keep in mind that these services do not guarantee faster processing times.

Is Gov+ legit

Yes, Gov+ is a legitimate private third-party service. It is not a government agency, but it is authorized by the U.S. Department of State through its subsidiary Premier Passports LLC to provide U.S. passport application assistance.

Is U.S. Passport Online legit?

No, usapassportonline.org is not a legitimate U.S. government website. It has been flagged as a scam passport website in numerous reports. Always verify passport expediting companies through the U.S. Department of State to avoid a U.S. passport online scam.

Is Rush My Passport legitimate?

Yes. RushMyPassport is a legitimate passport courier service operating under the company name Expedited Travel, which is registered with the U.S. Department of State. As a third-party service, it helps customers apply for passports and request expedited processing.