TSA warns of phishing scam targeting PreCheck travelers

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If you’re planning to breeze through airport security using TSA PreCheck, you should first check the URL. The TSA just posted an urgent warning on Facebook reminding travelers to use only the official government site when signing up for PreCheck.

The post says, “Signing up for TSA PreCheck? Make sure you’re using a safe and trusted .gov website” and includes this official link, tsa.gov/precheck.

Why the warning? Because scammers are out in full force, hoping to trick busy travelers into handing over personal information, and even money, by posing as TSA PreCheck.

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The scam that’s catching travelers off guard

Scammers have created fake emails and websites that look exactly like TSA PreCheck. They send these phishing emails to people who are eager to skip airport security lines. The messages urge you to click a link, enroll fast and pay the fee.

But here’s the problem. You’re not signing up for anything legitimate. You’re giving your data, and possibly your credit card, to a scammer. Even worse, you may not find out until you’re standing at the airport, expecting a smoother journey that never comes.

How to protect yourself from the TSA PreCheck scam

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also issued a warning to help travelers spot the scam before it’s too late. Here are the key steps and our recommendations to stay safe.

1. Use the official site only

Always start your application at tsa.gov/precheck. Type the URL directly into your browser. Never trust a link from an unexpected email or text.

2. Don’t click unexpected links, even if they look real and use strong antivirus software

Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts you weren’t expecting, even if they look polished and professional. Scammers are getting better at impersonating trusted sources. A strong antivirus can flag phishing emails and block malicious websites before you click. It’s an essential line of defense, especially when scammers are spoofing trusted organizations like the TSA.

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3. Do not pay online if it’s your first time

If this is your first time applying, you pay the fee in person at a TSA enrollment center. Anyone asking you to pay online during first-time enrollment is a scammer. Note: TSA will not reimburse applicants who attempt to enroll in TSA PreCheck through a fraudulent website.

4. Slow down and think

Scammers often rush you. If someone pressures you to pay quickly or click now, walk away.

5. Use a personal data removal service

Personal data removal services can help remove your personal information from data broker sites. That reduces the chance of scammers targeting you in the first place. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.

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6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Kurt’s key takeaways

No one enjoys long TSA lines. PreCheck is a valuable tool, but only if you protect yourself from scammers posing as the TSA. The official government site is your safest bet. Stay alert. Bookmark tsa.gov/precheck. Share this with a friend who’s traveling soon.

Have you ever second-guessed a link that seemed just a little too convenient? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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