Passport Application websites - not always what they seem

mazwillow

I thought I had applied on-line for a new passport re: change fo name. I filled out an on-line form, giving all details, including parents names, date of birth, address etc and paid £49 for what I thought was the renewal fee.


I received a paper copy of the application form from the passport office with instruction of what to do next. I took the completed form and all documentation required to the local Post Office for them to check. All was well until the lady asked me for not only the £8 to check the paperwork but the £72.50 application fee as well. I explained that I had already paid the fee online. The lady explained that I must have gone through a third party and the £49 was the fee for them to complete the form and that was all!! I then had to pay the full application fee there and then and was therefore out of pocket by £49.


I returned home rather furious and upset. I telephoned the Passport Office and they are aware that there are some companies who are acting as a legitimate company associated with the Passport Office but as they are not breaking any laws they can not do anything about them.


I think it is disgusting and immoral that companies can get away with fleecing people of £49 upwards by providing a service that is not needed, not wanted and immoral.


Has anyone else had this type of experience?


What did you do?


What should I do?


Many thanks


MazWillow

wealdroam

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/protect/2014/01/filing-a-tax-return-avoid-self-assessment-copycat-sites

Although concentrating on income tax, that article does touch on other copycat sites.

And here is some more reading:
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-2533771/Copycat-websites-I-paid-49-extra-renew-daughters-passport.html

Buzby

Yes - the secret is they charge you up front to apply, with the passport office do not.

I look at the web address of any service supplier and if it isn't the correct one, I do not proceed. If you reach websites by doing it the lazy way (using a search box instead of the URL) you will be a sitting duck for ending up on unofficial sites.

You should learn - and tell your friends and warn them. It was your inexperience, the firm provided a service for the agreed price and it was unfortunate you got caught, but why not complain to your MP? You'll not get your money back, but it might cause them some aggro.

Pollycat

mazwillow wrote: »

I thought I had applied on-line for a new passport re: change fo name. I filled out an on-line form, giving all details, including parents names, date of birth, address etc and paid £49 for what I thought was the renewal fee.

I received a paper copy of the application form from the passport office with instruction of what to do next. I took the completed form and all documentation required to the local Post Office for them to check. All was well until the lady asked me for not only the £8 to check the paperwork but the £72.50 application fee as well. I explained that I had already paid the fee online. The lady explained that I must have gone through a third party and the £49 was the fee for them to complete the form and that was all!! I then had to pay the full application fee there and then and was therefore out of pocket by £49.

I returned home rather furious and upset. I telephoned the Passport Office and they are aware that there are some companies who are acting as a legitimate company associated with the Passport Office but as they are not breaking any laws they can not do anything about them.

I think it is disgusting and immoral that companies can get away with fleecing people of £49 upwards by providing a service that is not needed, not wanted and immoral.

Has anyone else had this type of experience?

What did you do?

What should I do?

Many thanks

MazWillow

There are similar websites for all sorts of things including:
EHIC
ESTA
Driving test application
Driving licence renewal
Tax Return submission

So the Passport Office told you they are not breaking any laws.

Some of these websites have a refund policy so your best bet to get your money back would be to check if the website you used do give refunds.

Some do, some do minus an admin fee, some don't at all.
It may be too late for you at this stage.

Maybe you could consider contacting your MP and also writing to any regulatory bodies with your views.

DCFC79

Pollycat theres also the Land registry copy cat site.