Urgent Warning: Fake Passport Websites Prey on Illinois Tourists

If you're planning on traveling out of the country anytime soon, please be aware of all the passport scams circulating Illinois right now.

I remember when I got my first passport, I didn't know what I was doing or where to even start the process. That's when people people think, "let me Google it". I did, and luckily I went to the right place to obtain mine. For a lot of people, they've been getting scammed of passports and visas lately because of the "way-too-good-to-be-true fee they offer.

Here's everything you need to watch out for when trying to get your passport or visa!

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The website is USPassportandVisa.org. What's crazy about this site is the disclaimer they have when you visit. It actually says they are no affiliated with the government, yet so many people are still using the site!

Passports and Visas can get really expensive, it's just a known fact. So when someone sees "fee: $88" of course they're going to jump on it without thinking. After paying, they receive a PDF application that's actually free on the US Government's website.

So, if you're Googling "passport/visa renewal", click the sponsored link at the top, and give them all of your personal information, you will end up having to go through the legitimate government website to complete the process and pay even more money.

Here's what you can do to avoid being scammed:

Always go straight to the US Government's official site (it will end in .gov)
Give yourself time to receive the renewal (don't be a last minute person!)
Double check the site you're on before forking over all your info
If you fall victim, report it to the BBB as soon as possible

I know nobody wants to lose out on $88, especially when that can go toward two tanks of gas! Safe travels wherever you're going this year.

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Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Illinois using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.