Essex County Clerk Warns Residents About Online ‘Passport Scams’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Did you come across an online offer for “passport consulting” with a promise of same-day service? It’s a scam, Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin says.

On Thursday, Durkin issued an advisory about a proliferation of shady offers involving U.S. passports. He wrote:

“Due to the COVID-19 crisis and the current delay in passport services, it has been brought to my attention that there are multiple online scams that are using these unprecedented times as an opportunity to take advantage of the public by charging for passport consulting services and promising same day passport services for additional fees. Please be advised that neither the U.S. State Department nor the Essex County Clerk’s Office charges for any passport consulting services.”

Durkin added:

“Currently, the only way to get a same day passport is by contacting the US State Department at (877)-487-2778. In addition, our office is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm for expedited and routine passport services by appointment only. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions regarding passport services or to make an appointment at (973)-621-4914 or visit our website at www.essexclerk.com.”

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