TSA Warns About PreCheck Enrollment and Renewal Scams Ahead of Holiday Travel Season

With the busiest travel time of the year just a few weeks away, and so many travelers expected to pass through U.S. airport security, more and more Americans are opting for Known Traveler Programs like TSA PreCheck.

PreCheck recently hit 20 million active members, a new record for the program, which is just over 10 years old having launched in December 2013. The 20 million number is a 33% growth in just the last year, too, and is expected to grown even more as Americans prep for some of the busiest days of the year.

However, as the program continues to expand, the TSA is warning travelers to be cautious of fake PreCheck scams that are becoming more common. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• First-time applicants: If you’re applying for PreCheck for the first time, remember that payment can only be made in person at an enrollment center. Scammers may try to get you to pay online, but TSA does not allow first-time applicants to pay the enrollment fee online—only in person.
• Renewals: If you’re renewing, you can pay online, but avoid using links that arrive by email, even if they appear to come from the TSA. Instead, visit the official TSA PreCheck website to renew directly. Scammers can create fake websites that mimic official TSA pages and lure you in through spam emails.
• Pressure tactics: If you feel rushed or pressured, it’s likely a scam. TSA will never pressure you to complete an enrollment or renewal quickly. Any communication with phrases like “right away” or “last chance” is more likely from a scammer, not the TSA.

The TSA’s biggest tip is to always begin at the TSA PreCheck website, which uses the “.gov” domain, not “.com,” ensuring it’s an official government site.