CLEVELAND — We’ve been hearing a lot about record airline travel, so it’s no surprise that scammers are starting to target people who want to save time at the airport.
One way to do that is with TSA Precheck. It's a process to get pre-screened by security. Once you register with Precheck, you get to use a special security lane where certain steps aren't required every time you try to board a flight.
THE QUESTION
So today, we’re VERIFYING the question: Can I pay online to register for TSA Precheck?
SOURCES
Our sources on this are:
- the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
- the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and
- an Ipsos Poll paid for by the US Travel Association.
EXPLANATION
Let’s start with the poll for context. It was published in 2023, AND showed that only 17% of Americans are enrolled in TSA Precheck.
Now, the FTC says scammers are sending emails telling people to click a link to sign up and pay for the service, but that the link takes you to a fake website. They say people don’t even realize they’ve been tricked until they try to use the special Precheck screening lane at airport security.
TSA's frequently asked questions section clearly spells out that you don’t pay for new TSA Precheck registration online. You fill out your application online, but you pay for it during your in-person interview, which happens at a TSA Enrollment Center near you.
ANSWER
So we can VERIFY that you cannot pay online to register for TSA Precheck. Any website that asks you to do that is part of a scam to steal your money.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you already have precheck, you can renew it in person or online.
If you’re going to do it online, the FTC recommends typing TSA.gov/Precheck into your browser rather than clicking a link to get there. That way, you know you’re in the right place.