Washington Consular Services

You must provide delicate personal data on passport applications, such as your Social Security number and citizenship paperwork. Anyone who has this information has all the tools necessary to commit identity theft.  They could use it to obtain loans, empty your bank accounts, steal your tax refund, start new credit accounts in your name, or use your health insurance. Your information might potentially be sold by identity thieves to other criminals on the dark web. As per the  US embassy apostille , scammers are often cunning. Here are some suggestions for avoiding passport fraud. A passport agency or center never charges for appointment booking: Appointment scheduling is free of charge, and the State Department does not cooperate with outside booking services. Any outsider trying to make an appointment for you is probably a ruse. No fee is required to fill out passport forms: These services are provided by some businesses for a fee, but they are not associated with the State Department