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The Transport Security Administration has issued an urgent warning to travelers following a terrifying scam that could steal your money in seconds.
Breezing through airport security using TSA's 'PreCheck' benefit might save you time and effort, but according to officials, it is also seeing some people scammed of their precious dollars.
According to the TSA, PreCheck sees airport passengers cut the queues with a wait time of less than 10 minutes at more than 200 airports across the US.
The benefit allows travelers deemed low risk to pass through the expedited screening process, allowing them to keep laptops and liquids in the bag and even keep their shoes on through security.
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To obtain the status, passengers have to apply via the TSA website, attend a short meeting with a TSA 'enrolment provider and pay around $78.
The status also lasts for five years for travellers, so it's clear to see why frequent fliers might be tempted by the fast-track option.
However, the TSA is now warning that cyberpunks have found a way to exploit its potential clients- by launching fraudulent websites and targeting people who might be looking at ways to skip the often lengthy airport screening process.
According to Cyberguy, scammers have been busy creating fake websites that mimic the TSA PreCheck site.
The fraudsters have also reportedly sent phishing emails with the message urging potential passengers to follow a link, enrol quickly and pay the associated fee.
However, the sites aren't legitimate as experts warn it's likely you're handing over your personal data and possibly your bank details directly into the hands of a con artist.
To add insult to injury, victims may not even realize they've been affected by the scam until they attempt to breeze through the PreCheck line in the airport.
The scam has reportedly been going on since March, according to Infinitysol, which also includes emails about renewing TSA PreCheck membership and going so far as to appear from a legitimate source, like Immigration Visa and Travel.
The dodgy email encourages recipients to click on a link to renew their application, click a button marked 'priced to payment' and pay the 'IVT Service Fee.'
It adds that people who have had the PreCheck in the last five years also won't need to attend an interview.
Amongst the advice to dodge becoming a victim of the scam is to not click on any link in the email. Instead, visit the legitimate website, www.tsa.gov/precheck, or go to Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs site.
Experts also advise to 'never trust renewal reminders' and if you believe you've received a fraudulent email from TSA, contact the straight away and complain to the Federal Trade Commission.
TSA PreCheck also stresses it doesn't ask for any money or personal information upfront either.