Passport UK

kittycats

Is there anyway I can get my money back from Passport UK, they state on their website that they will provide this "form filling service" within 3 days - it took 3 weeks for me to receive mine.

Every time I ring the number on the website it is a recorded message! And no one has ever got back to me!

In the mean time, I went to the post office and completed the form myself as we didn't have much times before our holiday.

It was also a waste of time as when the form eventually did turn up (after I had received the renewed passport!) as all they did was complete the name and address section and all for a cost of £69!!

marsman802

Erm I think you've used a scam website.

The official Passport website allows you to complete electronically and sends to you for free.

You only pay when you then send the actual form off to the Passport service.

The website is:-

https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport

What website did you use?

marsman802

I think you used https://www.passports-uk.co.uk

Their smallprint at the foot of the website says this:-

Our services are not in any way affiliated with any UK Government body including HM Passport Office. We provide a reviewing and submitting service for all UK passport applications charging a service processing fee. You can apply autonomously to HM Passport Office , avoiding costs for checking and processing, by logging on to their authorised website. Please read our Terms and Conditions before using our website and services.

Twisted_Cherry

Yes you have been scammed, and stand little chance of getting your money back!

Did my application 28 days ago via the official GOV Website and got my passport back in 19 days!

Pollycat

There are lots of websites offering this.

You need to be wary of the following too:

EHIC
ESTA application
driving licence application/renewal
driving test booking
Submitting tax return
Land Registry

There are lots and lots of threads about these companies on MSE.

Some of these websites do give a refund - usually minus an admin fee.

It's probably too late for you, but worth checking.

If you don't think they provided the service you paid for in the timescale they said, you may be able to get your money back - but I wouldn't hold your breath.

If you feel that the website is misleading, I suggest you report it to the OFT via CAB - see this link:

http://www.oft.gov.uk/contactus#.Uui1lSlFBjo

but I have to say that, after looking at the website, it seems to make it pretty clear that it's not the official website.

ETA:
And don't be fooled into thinking that if a website has 'gov' or 'org' in the name it must be the official website.
They really are that crafty.

kittycats

Yes I used passport-uk

When the form didn't turn up within the 3 days, I researched it more and did think I'd been scammed, hence why I then applied through the Post Office.

But surely because my form didn't turn up for three weeks and yet in their conditions I found it say I would receive it in 3 days, I should be able to get my money back as they aren't complying with their T&C's.

My problem now is getting through to them as they don't answer their phones or respond to messages left

:mad:

benjus

Asking your card issuer to perform a chargeback is likely to be the most effective means of getting your money back.

Irrespective of whether or not it's worthwhile to pay a 3rd party website to submit a passport application for you, the fact is that they have not even provided this service - at least not in a reasonable time, so you should stand a chance of getting your money back.

Pollycat

kittycats wrote: »

But surely because my form didn't turn up for three weeks and yet in their conditions I found it say I would receive it in 3 days, I should be able to get my money back as they aren't complying with their T&C's.

My problem now is getting through to them as they don't answer their phones or respond to messages left

:mad:

Well, I agree - but as you've found out it's hard to get in touch with them. :cool:

If they had provided the service in the stated timescales, I don't think you would have much luck with a chargeback as the website seems pretty clear that it's a chargeable service that you can get cheaper through the Post Office or free using IPS.

I've read in a news article that some banks have refused chargebacks.

However, in your circumstances it's worth a try contacting your bank.
Make it clear that the reason you're requesting a chargeback is because they have not delivered the service they promised - not because you feel you've been scammed.

smudge56

benjus wrote: »

Asking your card issuer to perform a chargeback is likely to be the most effective means of getting your money back.

Irrespective of whether or not it's worthwhile to pay a 3rd party website to submit a passport application for you, the fact is that they have not even provided this service - at least not in a reasonable time, so you should stand a chance of getting your money back.

New thing for them to avoid a chargeback is that they claim that their 'systems' are down and can you pay directly into their bank account by bank transfer - they also charge for booking an appointment for a fast-track or premium service so really you could be paying £117.90 for the appointment plus whatever they charge for the completion of the form and you still haven't paid for the passport:(:(

Pollycat

You may find this interesting - posted yesterday on another similar thread:

pzuk wrote: »

I have just fallen for this passport renewal con, I googled passport renewal and (in a hurry) thought I was on the official gov site. Just paid £89.50 x2 for what is just two passport application forms with my names on! Paid with debit card, rang Lloyds bank, who said it was my own fault. I follow MSE, but I had never heard of these "fake" gov sites. I am an IT expert & I fell for it.

Pieguts

Just made the same mistake as a lot of others and used Passport UK, thinking I was renewing passports for my wife, my daughter and myself. Although I now want to beat myself around the head for throwing £200 down the toilet, my question is what do I get for the money. The Passport Uk website gives the impression that they forward a completed form to the official gov. Passport office who will then respond with what they require. My issue is that I need these passports for travel at the beginning of April. If I just except that I have been a fool and £200 out of pocket, can I just re-apply for these passport renewals either via the post office or official passport service now or will this not be possible because supposedly Passport UK have submitted my applications.