ESTA Fraud: How to Prevent It?

ESTA Fraud: How to Identify Fake ESTA Websites and Protect Yourself (Full Guide)

Traveling to the United States is easier for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, thanks to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Instead of applying for a traditional visa, eligible travelers can enter the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days provided they obtain an approved ESTA authorization.

But as simple as the application process is, thousands of travelers fall victim every year to fraudulent ESTA websites. These websites charge excessive fees, steal personal information, or issue fake travel authorizations that are not valid for entry into the United States.

ESTA Fraud

This article explains what ESTA fraud is, how to recognize official vs. fake ESTA sites, how scammers operate, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.

 

What Is ESTA and Who Needs It?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a pre-screening system introduced by the U.S. government in January 2009 for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. Travelers must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding a flight or ship to the United States.

The application process takes only a few minutes, and once approved, the authorization is valid for two years or until the passport expires.

In 2010, the U.S. introduced a small mandatory application fee, which opened the door for fraudulent companies pretending to help while exploiting travelers.

 

The ONLY Official ESTA Website

There is only one legitimate website where ESTA applications can be submitted:

👉 https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

This is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
All other websites regardless of whether they end in .com, .org, .net, .us, or even .travel are not official.

A simple rule:
✔ Real U.S. government websites end with .gov
✔ Anything else is unofficial

The official ESTA cost is $14:

• $10 Travel Promotion Act fee
• $4 processing fee

If you are charged more than $14, you are not on the official site.

 

How ESTA Scam Websites Operate

Fake or unofficial ESTA websites create pages that look almost identical to the official U.S. government website. They use the U.S. flag, government-style fonts, and misleading text such as “Official ESTA Portal” or “U.S. Travel Authorization Service.”

Here’s how scammers typically exploit travelers:

1. They Charge Extremely High Fees

Some sites charge $60, $100, or even $300 for an application that should cost just $14.

2. They Collect Your Personal Information

These websites often gather:

• Passport numbers
• Home addresses
• Credit card details
• Travel dates

This data can be misused for:

• Identity theft
• Unauthorized purchases
• Selling information to third parties

3. They Issue Fake “Approval Certificates”

Victims often receive a PDF document that looks official but it is not a valid ESTA.
When travelers attempt to verify it on the official CBP website, they discover no application exists.

4. They Sometimes Don’t Submit the Application at All

In many cases:

• They take your money
• They take your information
• They never submit anything

This means you arrive at the airport with no valid authorization and can be denied boarding.

 

Third-Party Companies: Are They Always Scam?

Not all third-party ESTA assistance websites are fraudulent. Some genuine companies act as intermediaries by:

• Collecting your information
• Submitting your ESTA form on your behalf
• Charging additional service fees

However, even reputable intermediaries come with risks:

Risk 1: Higher Fees

Even legitimate third-party sites charge much more than $14.

Risk 2: Errors on Your Application

If they enter any wrong information such as:

• Incorrect passport number
• Misspelled names
• Wrong travel dates

You could face delays or entry refusal.

Risk 3: Refund Issues

If the company already submitted your application on the official site, you cannot reverse the $14 fee.
Refunding it automatically cancels the authorization.

For these reasons, travelers are strongly advised to always apply through the official .gov website themselves.

 

How to Recognize a Fraudulent ESTA Website

Here are signs that a website is NOT the official ESTA portal:

1. It does not end in .gov

Only U.S. government sites end with .gov.

2. It charges more than $14

Anything above $14 is unauthorized.

3. It uses words like “official” without being .gov

Scammers frequently add:

• “Official USA Travel Website”
• “Government-approved ESTA service”

These are misleading claims.

4. It asks for unnecessary personal information

The real ESTA form does not ask for:

• Bank details
• Social media passwords
• Copies of your ID card

5. It looks like a government site but lacks security

Fake sites often have:

• No SSL security
• Poor grammar
• Ads and pop-ups

 

What To Do If You Applied Through a Scam Website

If you realize you mistakenly used a fraudulent website, act immediately.

Step 1: Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Provider

Ask them to:

• Block your card
• Reverse or dispute the payment
• Monitor suspicious transactions

Step 2: Apply Again Through the Official Website

Go to:
👉 https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Submit a fresh application to ensure you have legitimate authorization.

Step 3: Verify Your Application Status

If the scam site actually submitted something on your behalf, you should verify it using:

• Your passport number
• Your date of birth

Step 4: Report the Fraud

Contact the U.S. visa information service in your country.
They may guide you through reporting procedures and provide warnings to other travelers.

 

How to Avoid ESTA Fraud Completely

To protect yourself:

✔ Always apply through the official ESTA website ending in .gov

✔ Double-check the fee (should be exactly $14)

✔ Avoid any website that charges higher service fees

✔ Do not share personal information with unknown third-party companies

✔ Look for HTTPS and security certificates before entering data

✔ Bookmark the official CBP website

✔ Read ESTA requirements directly from U.S. government sources

By following these simple steps, you eliminate the risk of identity theft, financial loss, and travel disruptions.

 

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