The United States Department of State (Travel) has cautioned applicants seeking to apply for U.S. passports to be vigilant against online scammers posing as official service providers.
In a notice shared on Tuesday, the Department warned applicants against using private companies or third-party websites that claim to offer U.S. passport renewal services at a fee. It clarified that only the U.S. government is mandated to issue passports.
“Planning to renew your passport online? Remember that only the U.S. Department of State issues U.S. passports. Don’t get scammed by third-party sites or pay more just for a private company to fill out or pass us your application,” the advisory stated.
According to the Department, applicants who submit their personal and financial details to unauthorised sites risk identity theft, fraud, or losing their money to scammers.
To avoid falling prey, the State Department urged applicants to ensure they only use the official U.S. government website, which ends with the domain “.gov”. Passport renewal services are available at the official website.
“Do not give your personal or payment information to a third-party online passport site. Only the U.S. Department of State issues U.S. passports,” the statement added.
The State Department also noted that many fraudulent sites mimic the look of official government platforms, tricking users into thinking they are legitimate.
Applicants were advised to carefully check web addresses before submitting sensitive details such as passport numbers, ID details, or credit card information, which might put their data at risk.
The U.S. reiterated its commitment to assisting applicants with the process and stressed the importance of vigilance when seeking passport services online.
Meanwhile, last week, President Donald Trump's administration warned Kenyans travelling to the nation against overstaying in the country, terming it a violation of the immigration laws, which could affect future visa eligibility.
In a statement on Saturday, August 16, the United States Embassy in Nairobi clarified that owning a visa was not a guarantee of your stay in the U.S.
According to the embassy, having a US visa only allows an individual to travel to America through the airport or seaport, adding that the visa expiration date is not the period of stay in the U.S.
