MADISON, CONN., Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Need a passport? Be wary of paying a passport courier for help, according to consumer advocacy group truthinadvertising.org (TINA.org). After a lengthy investigation, the ad watchdog has issued a consumer alert and submitted a comment to the U.S. Department of State warning that deceptive marketing is pervasive among passport couriers registered with the agency. TINA.org is urging the department to close regulatory gaps and adopt enforceable advertising standards as part of its proposed rulemaking for its courier program. The organization has also alerted the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to its investigative findings, as well as the couriers and their third-party partners.
TINA.org’s investigation found that the vast majority of active couriers registered with the department – approximately 85% – have engaged in deceptive marketing. These practices include:
False government-affiliation claims. Some couriers use official-sounding names, seals, website designs, or claims of government approval or authorization, while failing to adequately disclose that they are in fact private, for-profit companies that operate independently of the State Department.
Misleading speed claims. Some couriers generically advertise “same-day,” “24-hour” and similar speedy services, without adequately disclosing that they do not control the State Department’s processing time and that consumers must meet certain criteria to obtain expedited passport services.
Deceptive pricing. Advertised prices often omit mandatory government fees, shipping charges and other costs, leaving consumers unable to assess the total cost at the outset.
Borrowed credibility. Cobranded marketing with trusted companies such as FedEx, AAA, AARP, Staples and CLEAR can mislead consumers into believing that a familiar brand – or the government itself – is providing a courier passport service.
“State Department registration should protect passport applicants – not provide businesses engaged in deceptive marketing with a credential they can use to mislead consumers,” said TINA.org Executive Director Bonnie Patten. “Consumers are being lured into paying substantial sums for services that they generally do not need or that couriers cannot deliver, sometimes losing both their money and their ability to travel.”
The harm resulting from these misleading marketing tactics is documented across thousands of consumer complaints reporting unexpected charges, missed (and nonrefundable) travel, and the inability to regain possession of passports or other identity documents sent to couriers when promised services are not delivered.
TINA.org is urging the State Department to prohibit misleading government-affiliation representations and unqualified speed claims; require full and upfront fee disclosures; and establish meaningful monitoring and enforcement procedures. The organization is also calling on the FTC to investigate.
The State Department and the FTC have already cautioned consumers that private passport-assistance websites may mimic government services or misrepresent what they can provide. TINA.org’s findings show that warnings alone are insufficient, and that a rule – and enforcement – are necessary to address the deceptive marketing practices in this industry.
Read more about TINA.org’s investigation into passport couriers.
About TINA.org (truthinadvertising.org)
TINA.org is a nonprofit organization that uses investigative journalism, education and advocacy to empower consumers to protect themselves against false advertising and deceptive marketing.
Shana Mueller truthinadvertising.org 203-421-6210 smueller@truthinadvertising.org