Beware of scams offering online passport services.
Digital transformation brings many benefits, especially in public services such as online passport applications, saving people time and effort. However, taking advantage of the fact that some people are not tech-savvy and have difficulty submitting applications online, many scammers have created fake websites offering to handle these applications for them, causing many people to lose money and have their personal information leaked.
Simple, convenient
Mr. Ngo Quoc Cuong from Minh Hop commune (Quy Hop district) used to dread getting a passport because he had to go early, queue, and wait in long lines. However, this time, thanks to online procedures, he only took about 20 minutes to complete all the paperwork on his phone at home.
Mr. Cuong said: “Previously, I had a passport but lost it. After checking the instructions from the Immigration Department, I reported the loss of my passport, filled in my personal information, and uploaded a portrait photo along with a photo of my citizen identification card. I also didn't need a confirmation letter from the local police like before. Everything was clearly explained on the public service portal. I just followed the steps and didn't encounter any problems.”
After submitting his application, Mr. Cuong received a text message notifying him to pay a fee of 180,000 VND via bank transfer. He chose to apply for a chip-based passport and used express delivery. More than a week later, the new passport was delivered to his home. The entire process, from submitting the application to receiving the results, took place online, quickly and transparently.
Similarly, Ms. Tran Hai Yen from Le Loi Ward (Vinh City) applied for a passport for the first time without any difficulties. When accessing the Public Service Portal, the clear instructions made the process easy and smooth. Ms. Yen said that after filling in the information, taking and uploading photos, and confirming the application, she received a tracking code. The system sent text messages to her phone notifying her of the progress of her application, allowing her to track it with peace of mind. More than a week after submission, the passport was delivered to her home. According to her, this method is very convenient and anyone can do it themselves.
In contrast to the smooth experiences of many citizens using the Ministry of Public Security's official Public Service Portal, Mr. NVT (residing in Nghi Loc district) nearly became a victim of a scam when applying for a passport online.
He said he saw a website advertising a fast passport service, with a professional interface and logos and symbols similar to those of a government agency. Trusting it, he filled in all his personal information, uploaded his portrait photo and citizen ID photo to the system. Afterwards, someone claiming to be a support staff member called and asked him to transfer 650,000 VND to "expedite" his application.
Seeing the unusually high fee, he called an acquaintance working in the police force and was warned that it was a fake website. He immediately stopped transferring the money. “I was really worried because I had already given all my personal information. Afterwards, I had to report it to the police and change the passwords for important accounts as a precaution,” Mr. T. said.
To investigate, the reporter accessed numerous Facebook and TikTok groups advertising "fast-track passport" and "super-fast nationwide passport" services. The service price ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 million VND. Upon request, customers received enthusiastic advice and were quickly asked to pay a deposit of 50-90% of the total cost. However, when the reporter requested to visit the office to make the payment, the "service" provider stated they had no physical office and only conducted transactions on credit.
We need to increase our vigilance.
From June 1st, 2022, the Ministry of Public Security has implemented online services for issuing ordinary passports (without chips) on the National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Public Security's Public Service Portal. Citizens only need an internet-connected device such as a computer or smartphone to submit their passport application anytime, anywhere, without having to go directly to immigration offices to fill out forms, have their photos taken, and wait as before.
In Nghe An province, 100% of passport applications are now accepted online. Since January 1, 2025, the Immigration and Border Control Department of the Provincial Police has issued more than 40,000 passports to citizens.
However, taking advantage of the lack of technological understanding among some people, especially those unfamiliar with online transactions, many scammers have impersonated "service providers" or "brokers" for passport applications, posting advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Zalo with attractive offers such as: "No need to travel far," "No queues," "Fast service, cheap prices," etc., in order to illegally collect money.
These individuals often submit online applications on behalf of citizens, but intentionally provide false information such as phone numbers and permanent addresses. When immigration authorities need additional documents, they contact these individuals. They then impersonate citizens, creating further difficulties to continue their illicit activities. As a result, citizens not only lose money but also fail to receive their passports.
Even more concerning, some perpetrators steal personal information such as photos, ID numbers, phone numbers, emails, permanent addresses, OTP codes, etc., and then use it to open bank accounts, borrow money through apps, or hijack personal accounts like Facebook, Zalo, VNeID… After that, they continue to scam the victims' relatives and friends through these platforms.
The Immigration and Border Control Department of the Nghe An Provincial Police has also repeatedly warned people about the situation of individuals impersonating "fast-track passport services" on social media platforms such as Facebook and Zalo to scam people and charge fees many times higher than the regulated amount.
Citizens should absolutely not provide personal information such as national identity cards, phone numbers, email addresses, bank accounts, etc., to intermediaries, especially those offering online passport services. Sharing information indiscriminately can lead to data theft and misuse for illegal activities.
Citizens should submit applications online through the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security's Public Service Portal, following the publicly available instructions. The current application submission method is very convenient and easy to use, and has been widely publicized through mass media, the Ministry of Public Security's website, and the Immigration Department's website.
Citizens can also refer to detailed instructions on the Fanpage "Immigration and Emigration Management - Nghe An Provincial Police" or go directly to the Immigration and Emigration Management Department headquarters for assistance, where there are always officers available to provide guidance along with a loudspeaker system and clear instruction screens.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huong Giang - Deputy Head of the Immigration Management Department (Nghe An Provincial Police)
During the application process, applicants should ensure their photos meet the required specifications (4x6cm size, bare head, clear face and ears, white background). Using photos with a blue background or photos edited using apps or software like Photoshop will result in rejection. Additionally, information such as place of birth, hometown, and reason for passport renewal must be accurately declared, especially for first-time applicants or those renewing due to loss, to avoid future corrections or additions. After completing the application, citizens enter the confirmation code and submit the documents. The system will send a confirmation notification via SMS or email, along with the required fee.
The processing time for applications submitted at the central level is 5 working days and 8 working days for applications at the provincial level. If you are unable to complete the process yourself, you can ask a tech-savvy relative for assistance or contact your local police station for guidance. If you detect any signs of fraud, please report it to the police immediately for appropriate action.
