What Is the Passport Renewal Scam?

Scammers create fake passport renewal websites and send phishing emails to steal personal and financial information. These sites often claim to offer expedited services or act as authorized agents, but they’re not affiliated with the U.S. government and are designed to commit fraud.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters build websites that mimic the official U.S. Department of State site, using similar logos and language to appear legitimate. Victims are asked to provide sensitive information like their full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and credit card details. Scammers may also send phishing emails warning of application issues, urging recipients to act quickly by clicking a malicious link. Once the information is submitted, it can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.

Example of the Scam

Cassandra received an email stating there was a problem with her passport renewal. The message included a link to a site that looked like the official government website. She entered her payment information to resolve the issue, only to find out later that the email and website were fake. Her personal data was stolen.

Tips to Protect Yourself From the Passport Renewal Scam

• Use the official government website. Always renew through travel.state.gov.
• Avoid third-party sites. The U.S. Department of State does not authorize outside agents for renewals.
• Protect your sensitive data. Never provide Social Security numbers or personal info to unverified sites.
• Check website security. Look for “https://” and the padlock icon in the browser.
• Be cautious of urgent messages. Scammers use pressure tactics to make you act fast without thinking.

If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact Your Financial Institution(s). If you’ve provided any financial information, contact us and any other financial institutions you work with to report the fraud and potentially stop any unauthorized transactions.
• Report the scam to the FTC. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. Also, inform your local law enforcement.
• Report the scam to the state attorney general. You can find information at NAAG.org.
• Report it to the U.S. Department of State. Alert the government to fraudulent passport sites and phishing emails to help protect others.