uspassportonline.com Deceptive Advertising Internet

One should never write a review when angry, but perhaps there are some practices that deserve our collective anger.  I think this is one of those. This website, uspassportonline.com, purposely is modeled after official government websites, and is designed to fool the unsuspecting user into thinking that this website is the appropriate channel for acquiring a U.S. passport.  In reality, they are an independent processing center that essentially serves as an intermediary between you and the State Department, and charges you for doing something you can do for much less cost.  And, perhaps even a greater concern is the fact once you send them your passport application, they then have access to a plethora of personal information.  I realized my error immediately, and phoned them and issued a cancellation order.  They agreed to refund all but $45 (a reservation fee).  I'm certain that this is a common occurrence, and accounts for a substantial amount of their income. They purport to be a nationwide organization, but you find them located in Palm Beach, FLA and supposedly with a branch office in Texas.   They also claim to be authorized and sanctioned by the State Department, but I have been unable to authenticate that.  However, I am pursuing this claim, as well as filing a complaint with the State Department.  Furthermore, I am disputing the $45 charge.

Hopefully, this review will help anyone going through the passport process.  My advice in a nutshell is simple:  go to the post office, fill out the application, send your packet via U.S. mail, and then go have a cool adult beverage.  Don't use uspassportonline.com under any circumstance.