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  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , travel, , TSA, TSA PreCheck   

    Stay Safe from TSA PreCheck Scams 

    Stay Safe from TSA PreCheck Scams

    By Greg Collier

    As the holiday travel season approaches, millions of people are preparing for flights to visit loved ones or enjoy a vacation. Unfortunately, scammers are also gearing up to take advantage of the increased demand for TSA PreCheck enrollments and renewals. These fraudulent schemes are designed to steal your money and personal information by mimicking official government websites. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself during this busy time.

    TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program designed to streamline security screening for low-risk passengers at U.S. airports. Enrolling in the program allows you to enjoy a faster, more convenient airport experience. With TSA PreCheck, you can pass through security without removing your shoes, belts, or light jackets, and your electronics and liquids can stay in your carry-on bag.

    The program is available at more than 200 airports and works with over 85 participating airlines. Enrollment involves a straightforward application process, including an online form, an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification, and a fee. Once approved, your PreCheck status is valid for five years.

    Scammers create fake TSA PreCheck sites that look alarmingly similar to the real thing. These fraudulent pages often appear in emails or online ads, urging users to enroll or renew their TSA PreCheck membership. They may even claim to simplify the process for a fee. However, these sites are nothing more than elaborate traps to steal your money and sensitive information.

    The scam often starts with an email or ad directing you to a website that looks like the official TSA PreCheck site. The key difference is that the URL is slightly off, often a cleverly disguised misspelling or a domain ending that isn’t ‘.gov’. Once on the site, users are prompted to pay for enrollment or renewal. But instead of providing a legitimate service, the scammers pocket your payment and potentially misuse your personal data.

    Even experienced individuals have nearly fallen victim to these schemes. The sophisticated design and persuasive language of these fake sites can easily trick someone who isn’t paying close attention.

    The TSA emphasizes that the only official place to begin your PreCheck enrollment is on their website, which ends in ‘.gov’. Any other domain, no matter how convincing it appears, is not legitimate. Additionally, the initial payment for TSA PreCheck is made in person, not online, during your in-person appointment at an enrollment center.

    Be wary of third-party ‘facilitators’ offering to handle the enrollment process for you. Not only do they charge exorbitant fees, but they also compromise your personal data, leaving it vulnerable to misuse.

    Before entering any personal or payment information online, double-check the website’s URL. If you’re unsure, reach out directly to the TSA or consult trusted resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. By taking a moment to verify, you can avoid falling into the trap of these sophisticated scams.

    With holiday travel just around the corner, now is the time to ensure all your travel documents, including TSA PreCheck, are in order. Double-check every website, and only trust official government sources. A little caution now can save you from a major headache later, helping you focus on what really matters this season, enjoying time with family and friends.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 28, 2021 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , red light camera, , , , TSA PreCheck,   

    Scam Round Up: Red Lights, the TSA, and Google Voice 

    Scam Round Up: Red Lights, the TSA, and Google Voice

    By Greg Collier

    Every so often, we come across scams that may not warrant an entire blog post. So here are three scams that caught our attention this week that be briefly summed up.

    In Renton, Washington, scammers are sending emails to victims claiming that the victim ran a red light and was caught on one of the city’s red light cameras. The email contains a link where you’re supposed to pay your fine but, of course, goes to the scammer instead. What makes this scam effective is that many jurisdictions use a third party online platform to collect some traffic fines. However, you can tell that this is a scam since most, if not all, cities send their red light tickets through the postal mail and not by email. Most states don’t even have your email address connected to your license plate number.

    ***

    If you travel a lot for business or leisure, you may have thought of signing up for TSA PreCheck. This program allows low-risk individuals to pay for a service where they can have an expedited security check when flying. As with a lot of government services, scammers are trying to trick PreCheck seekers into giving up their personal info by creating phony websites that claim they can register you with PreCheck. Again, there is a simple solution to this scam, but not everyone is aware of it. Only websites that have a .gov address can register you for PreCheck. Some of these scam websites may even have a .us address. Anybody can purchase a .us domain name, and it is not under the authority of the US Government. You can apply for TSA PreCheck at the TSA website.

    ***

    Our last scam for today is one we’ve previously discussed and also affects Geebo’s industry. If you’re selling something online, whether it’s with Geebo or someone else, be wary if someone says they want to prove ‘you’re real’. An authorization code will be sent to you and the buyer will ask for that code number. Do not give it to them. They’re trying to set up a Google Voice number that would be tied to your phone number. This way, they could continue scamming people using the Google Voice number, but would be traced back to you. This recently happened to a woman from New Hampshire who was selling her items on Facebook Marketplace.

    ***

    Please keep in mind that even though these scams may not be happening in your area, that doesn’t mean that it soon won’t be.

     
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