Beware of fake passport services websites

These phoney passport websites and applications trick consumers to gather personal information and misuse them

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Always depend on official websites to get passport and other passport services, as there are several fake sites offering these services. Many non-serious people fall prey to these sites and end losing money and crucial data.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has already issued a warning regarding portals that pose as official websites for the passport service.

The warning was issued a couple of months back by the passport section of the ministry as warning, claiming that these phoney passport websites and applications trick consumers to gather personal information and misuse them.

The caution, which pops up on the official passport services website, claims that the phony passport websites also charge exorbitant fees for filling out the online application form and making an appointment for passport-related services.

A few of the phony websites are listed in the alert. They look like official websites, but turn out to be fake and a tool to cheat gullible customers. Some examples of these phoney websites are:

www.applypassport.org

www.online-passportindia.com

www.passportindiaportal.in

www.passport-india.in

www.passport-seva.in

and www.indiapassport.org.

Thus it is advisable not to fall prey these tricks. One should exercise caution while scheduling appointments. The MEA notice advises against visiting the aforementioned websites by those applying for an Indian passport.

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