Rogue sites that contain some basic information and can even carry official logos charge a premium for their services. Some unwitting customers have been asked to shell out as much as £40 for facts which are available online.
Instead, the Passport Office is reminding tourists to go directly to them for any queries they might have via phone or their Gov.uk website.
A spokesperson from the Passport Office said that the organisation has taken action with the Advertising Standards Agency to dole out fines to any website using the official logos or branding.
“It's totally unacceptable that unscrupulous companies are continuing to trick people into paying for information which is available free of charge,” she added.
Holidaymakers can fill their application forms out online, or hard copies can be obtained from the Post Office to complete by hand. The standard application fee is currently £72.50, but forms can be checked and sent off at the Post Office at an additional charge of £8.75.
Categories: Travel Insurance
