It may seem too early, but now is when many people in Wisconsin are planning their winter break vacations, and even starting to plan destinations for spring break next year.

Experts say that vacation planning often begins at least six months in advance, especially for popular destinations or during peak seasons. Many people in Wisconsin, like elsewhere, aim to book flights and accommodations early to secure better deals and availability.

While figuring out where to go is a fun decision, there are, unfortunately, other elements to be mindful of that are a lot less fun to think about.

For example, recently, the TSA warned travelers of security threats that exist in airports past their initial checkpoint, such as "juice jacking," where criminals steal personal information at USB charging stations, and there are reports of scammers taking advantage of unsecured internet connections.

Another hot topic of conversation has been getting Real IDs and passports to travel, and now scammers are taking advantage of that to put travelers in harm's way.

Travelers Warned To Use Caution When Getting Or Renewing A Passport Or Visa

Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned travelers about a misleading website falsely promising it will secure official documents for international travel.

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The website in question is PassportandVisa.org, and while it does have a disclaimer stating it is not affiliated with any government agency, many consumers have been misled into believing they are on an official site for passport and visa applications or renewals.

The website launched earlier this year, and since then, the BBB Scam Tracker has received 78 reports detailing fraudulent activities associated with this website.

Travelers have reported paying approximately $88, expecting official travel documents, only to receive a simple PDF application that can be filled out for free on the U.S. Department of State website.

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The scam preys on people searching for passport or visa renewal information online. Fake websites such as this mimic official platforms, and collect personal information and fees under false pretenses.

What ultimately happens is that victims not only provide personal information, but they also give these scammers money. Then, they're left to complete the actual application process with the U.S. Department of State, incurring additional costs.

How To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of This Scam

The BBB recommends the following for those looking for a passport or visa:

  • Do thorough research. Verify passport renewal procedures directly through the U.S. government’s official channels. Authentic information is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees.
  • Allow ample processing time. Passport renewals can vary in processing times. Consult the U.S. Department of State for current processing estimates to prevent rushing into potentially fraudulent quick-fix options.
  • Verify website URLs. Official government websites end in .gov. Exercise caution with sponsored ads or suspicious URLs that mimic legitimate sites. Ensure websites are secure before entering personal information.
  • Avoid third-party services. Use BBB.org and BBB Scam Tracker to verify legitimacy before sharing sensitive information online. Be cautious of impostor websites and protect yourself from potential scams.

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Lastly, anyone who falls victim to a scam can help others by reporting it right away to the BBB Scam Tracker.

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