Soooo mad re ESTA !

[natalielongstaff]

My mum is visiting the US next month and had asked me to do her ESTA application, anyway i forgot and rather than remind me she asked my brother to do it and they ended up at one of the sites that charge you.....£47 pounds

these sites are such a rip off !!!

 

[luke]

My mum is visiting the US next month and had asked me to do her ESTA application, anyway i forgot and rather than remind me she asked my brother to do it and they ended up at one of the sites that charge you.....£47 pounds

these sites are such a rip off !!!

Madness arent they!
I had to stop a friend using one last year after he told me that "you have to pay to get into America now". I set him straight and gave him the right link

 

[Tinks1984]

Oh Nat It's awful isn't it? These sites should be banned! I hate how they're catching people out - and £47 too, that's just scandalous!

 

[T16GEM]

I honestly think that there should be some kind of guidance when you book your package or flight to tell people to be aware of these scam sites. Shocking.

I'm sorry to hear that your Mom ended up paying.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Can't ban them as they are providing a "service" to fill in the ESTa, if you see what i mean.
They are not saying you have to pay moeny for the ESTA rather pay them and they will fill it in for you.
technically not illegal

 

[disney_princess_85]

Are the ESTAs processed on these scam sites even valid?

 

[wayneg]

Are the ESTAs processed on these scam sites even valid?

As far as I know they are genuine sites, not seen anyone post any problems using them just they charge. Its not a lot different to Post Office charging to fill in Passport forms, I can't believe anyone would pay for that but they do. As Obi says they are offering a service so not quite a scam, they just don't make it clear you can do it free.

 

[disney_princess_85]

As far as I know they are genuine sites, not seen anyone post any problems using them just they charge. Its not a lot different to Post Office charging to fill in Passport forms, I can't believe anyone would pay for that but they do. As Obi says they are offering a service so not quite a scam, they just don't make it clear you can do it free.

Good comparison Wayne. It's a shame that people aren't more clued-up about this, I agree with T16GEM: the holiday companies should be making their customers more aware.

 

[natalielongstaff]

Good comparison Wayne. It's a shame that people aren't more clued-up about this, I agree with T16GEM: the holiday companies should be making their customers more aware.

I totally agree Wayne, im just sad that my mum got caught out and yes maybe the holiday companies could do more for their customers but thats a whole new thread

 

[Tinks1984]

Our travel agents (Thomas Cook) did make us aware of which site we should visit. It's printed and highlighted on our invoice/receipt and she did mention to us when we were in the shop.

I guess it depends on the person who serves you as to if they mention it or not?

 

[kieras nana]

we have just booked our flights,for next year with united.the lady on the phone,did warn me,about these sites,which i thought was good,especially as some people,are just not aware.
sorry this happened,to your mum nat!
tracy

 

[JANNYANS]

This is becoming a bit of a problem so the official site has adressed the problem .Read here for their advice

https://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/custom...nBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9ZXN0YQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1

 

[natalielongstaff]

This is becoming a bit of a problem so the official site has adressed the problem .Read here for their advice

https://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/custom...nBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9ZXN0YQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1

Thanks, im going to apply for her just in case

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

It is just another example of people taking advantage of people who do not know any better!

 

[JANNYANS]

I have 2 adverts for services that charge for this at the bottom of the page for this thread so there are a multitude of sites out there who are doing this.

 

[dc1964]

It is just another example of people taking advantage of people who do not know any better!

I don't want to appear unsympathetic but completing the ESTA
is not rocket science. It is very easy to find the correct site, people(tourists) need to be switched on. Especially in the states. I have been approaced by scam artists in walmart car park, on I drive, at the dollar rental desk(lol).

 

[PhilUK]

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta....20E94AF_k75F4B5B2-F992-5892-E49B-6EA6028E24AD

This is the Official Link if anyone needs it.
Phil

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Thats as annoying as paying my globespan flights with maestro, money down the pan!