ESTA scam site

Pollycat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82098809#Comment_82098809

It's really not semantics.

They are not scam sites.

They clearly show that they are not the official websites and are not affiliated with the official websites.

I would prefer that they don't exist.

But the truth is…people need to be savvy about using the internet - whether that is to buy an item or service or to access advice.

What you describe as "the difference in opinion between the forum and the main site here" is actually just the opinion on the forum that people need to be more vigilant.

eskbanker

I'm not actually sure that there is any difference in opinion anyway, in that the main site says:

Avoid copycat websites

Watch out for websites demanding a fee for the ESTA. Search the internet for ‘ESTA’ and you’ll discover many that claim to submit an application on your behalf.

Not only will you be paying money unnecessarily, you can't be certain it'll be a legit submission and acceptance, so you may still get turned away when you get to the US.

The US Department for Homeland Security says it can’t stop this. The easiest thing to remember is: use the link in this guide and it's the official route.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/esta-usa-visa/

and nobody on this forum is disagreeing with that recommendation to avoid such sites!

The wider article on the main site emphasises that there's nothing lost by trying to get a refund but adds that it's a long shot:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/copycat-websites/#refunds

It's worth understanding that the advice there relates largely to UK sites so, as with the above OFT stuff, it's important to understand that US sites are outside the jurisdiction of UK government agencies, etc.