Government warns against fake websites and apps offering passport services
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The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India said people should not fall prey to fake websites and mobile applications offering passport-related services. An alert said that authorities have noticed that many fraudulent websites and apps are gathering data from people who are applying for passports.
These fake service providers are also charging more.
The official alert said: "It has come to the notice of the Ministry that many fraudulent websites and mobile applications are collecting data from applicants and also levying additional hefty charges for filling up the online application form and scheduling appointments for passport and related services."
These platforms are "registered in the domain name *.org, *.in, *.com such as www.indiapassport.org, www.online-passportindia.com, www.passportindiaportal.in, www.passport-india.in, www.passport-seva.in, www.applypassport.org, and many other similar looking websites."
"It is therefore advised to all citizens applying for Indian passports and related services that they should not visit the above-mentioned fraudulent websites or make a payment related to passport services. The official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India for passport services is www.passportindia.gov.in. Applicants may also use the official mobile app mPassport Seva, which can be downloaded from the Android and iOS app stores," added the government.