TSA-PreCheck / Global-Entry Renewal Spoof
A copycat site or message offers to enroll or renew your TSA-PreCheck/Global Entry, overcharging and stealing your personal and payment data.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You see an ad or receive a message to enroll in or renew TSA-PreCheck or Global Entry through a site that looks official but isn't. It charges more than the real government fee, or takes your money and sensitive data (passport, SSN) and does nothing. Trusted-traveler programs are applied for only through official .gov sites; third-party 'services' either overcharge or are outright scams. Always start at the official program pages.
What it usually looks like
- An ad/message to enroll or renew PreCheck/Global Entry.
- A site that mimics the official program but isn't .gov.
- Fees above the real government amount.
- Requests for passport, SSN, and payment.
Common warning signs
- Enrollment/renewal via a non-official site.
- Fees higher than the official program fee.
- Sensitive data requested by a third party.
- Search-ad links rather than official pages.
Example wording scammers use
“Renew your TSA PreCheck now to avoid airport delays — fast processing, $120: [copycat site].”
“Your Global Entry is expiring; enroll here to keep your benefits.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Overpayment above the official fee.
- Your passport, SSN, and payment data.
- To impersonate a trusted government program.
What to do
- Apply/renew only at the official government sites (tsa.gov / ttp.cbp.dhs.gov).
- Ignore third-party 'services' and search-ad links.
- Never share passport/SSN with a copycat site.
- Verify the exact web address.
What to do if you already responded
- Dispute charges; if you shared SSN/passport, use IdentityTheft.gov and consider a freeze.
- Complete real enrollment only on the official site.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.