Scam or NotScam No. 0082026-10-27
Is this text a scam?
SCAM
Eesta-usa-apply.example
Text Message · Today 9:41
Apply for your U.S. travel authorization online.
esta-usa-apply.example
Processing fee: $89
Full refund if not approved.
Pay by bank transfer.
Start your application
Recreated as a lookalike web page from Source 1 (FTC Consumer Alerts), which describes ESTA lookalike sites with similar names that overcharge, promise refunds, or ask you to pay a different way. Shown as a page a traveler comes across while applying, not as a message sent to them.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Lookalike web addressThe address looks close to the real one, so check every letter.
Source: “Lookalike sites often have similar names, so look closely at the URL.” link - RED FLAG 2Charges too muchA site that charges more than the real fee is not the real site.
Source: “Any website that charges you more to apply — or says you can get a refund — isn’t the real site.” link - RED FLAG 3Promises a refundThe real fee has no refunds, so a refund offer gives it away.
Source: “The ESTA application fee is nonrefundable.” link
Safe move
Use the official site
Go to the official ESTA website or app yourself and apply only there.
Source: “The only place to apply is through the ESTA website or app.” link
Go to the official ESTA website or app yourself and apply only there.
Source: “The only place to apply is through the ESTA website or app.” link
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