At Town & Country Credit Union, keeping our members safe goes beyond protecting accounts from fraud; it also means helping them avoid common scams and misleading information.

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in members being misled by online passport services. When searching online for passport applications, sites other than official government sites often appear at the top of search results. These sites charge hundreds of dollars and still require in-person visits for refunds or cancellations, making them virtually impossible to receive. 

The safest way to apply for a passport is to use only official government websites ending in “.gov.” For example, travel.state.gov is the official U.S. Department of State site. Any site that does not end in “.gov” should not be considered for passport services. 

Tip: Before paying for a passport online, double-check the website address. Using official sources ensures your personal information is protected, your application is processed correctly, and you avoid unnecessary fees. Staying vigilant can save you time, money, and stress. 

Questions? Give us a call at 1-800-872-6358. We're here to help.