Passport Seva Portal Restored: Beware of Fake Websites and Scams

The Passport Seva portal, which was temporarily down for a technical issue, has been restored ahead of schedule.

The official website for citizens applying for an Indian passport became active on September 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM IST. The Ministry of External Affairs hailed the early restoration, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of applicants who had been waiting to use the system.

Passport Scams to Watch Out For

With the restoration of the Passport services portal, citizens are advised to be cautious of fake websites and scams. The government of India has warned that many fake websites and apps are charging high fees to collect data from applicants for filling out online forms and booking passport appointments.

Furthermore, these websites can ask for personal and financial information, leading to identity theft and financial loss. Thus, you need to beware of scams as follows:

• Fake appointment scheduling
• Document fraud
• Phishing emails

How to Reschedule Passport Appointment Online

Those who have missed applying for passport appointments during the downtime can now reschedule their appointments online through the restored Passport Seva portal.

Here, follow these steps to reschedule a passport appointment online:

• Visit the official Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in).
• Click on "Existing User Login" and enter your credentials.
• Select "View Saved/Submitted Applications" and choose the application you want to reschedule.
• Click on "Reschedule Appointment" and select a new date and time.
• Confirm your rescheduled appointment and print the new appointment slip.

Passport scam prevention: Stay safe online!

In order to prevent passport scams, it is crucial to validate the legitimacy of emails and phone calls. Additionally, refrain from disclosing personal or financial details to unfamiliar individuals and ensure that your antivirus software and operating system are regularly updated.

Applicants can also use the official mPassport Seva mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Android and iOS app stores.

Therefore, by being aware of these scams and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure a smooth and secure passport application process.