Fake Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Scams via Email
How fraudulent websites and emails charge unnecessary fees for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or equivalent trusted traveller programme applications that applicants can submit for the official government fee alone.
Part of: Fake Global Entry & TSA PreCheck Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and similar trusted traveller programmes have straightforward application processes managed by government agencies. Third-party services have identified this as an opportunity to insert themselves as apparent intermediaries, charging service fees above the official application cost for simply directing applicants to fill in the same government form.
More dishonest operations charge fees and collect personal data without submitting any application, or use phishing emails mimicking government agencies to harvest travellers' details under the guise of application processing.
How this scam works on email
An email arrives appearing to come from CBP (US Customs and Border Protection), TSA, or an official government travel programme, directing the recipient to renew or update their Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership through a specific link. The link leads to a third-party site that charges a service fee on top of or instead of the official fee, and may collect passport and personal data that is not transmitted to any government system.
Some sites use official seal imagery and government-adjacent domain names to imply official status. Applicants who complete the process may find their actual government programme account is unaffected, having paid for nothing.
Common red flags
- Application portal domain is not the official CBP or TSA government website
- Fee charged significantly exceeds the official programme cost without clear service justification
- Email about your membership arrived unsolicited without you initiating a renewal
- Site collects passport details and personal data before any payment confirmation
- Government programme account shows no record of a renewal after paying a third party
How to protect yourself
- Apply and renew Global Entry only through ttp.cbp.dhs.gov (US)
- Apply for TSA PreCheck directly through the TSA website or enrolled provider listed on tsa.gov
- Never click email links for travel programme renewals — navigate to the official government URL directly
- Verify your programme status through the official portal if unsolicited contact arrives about renewal
- Report any site implying government affiliation that charges above official fees
How to report it
- Report impersonation of US government agencies to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report to CBP or TSA directly through their official websites
- Contact your card issuer to dispute charges from non-official sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a third-party service to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
No. Both programmes have official online application processes on government websites. Any third-party service charging a fee beyond the official application cost is unnecessary and potentially fraudulent.