Fraud & Cybersecurity Awareness

Scammers are impersonating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by sending fake emails or texts or creating websites that promise fast or discounted TSA PreCheck enrollment. These scams are designed to steal your money and personal information.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters send messages that appear to be from TSA or authorized third-party services. They may offer expedited enrollment or discounted rates to entice you into clicking a link. Once on a fake site, you’re asked to provide sensitive information like your Social Security number, birth date, and credit card details. These sites often look official but are built to steal your data for identity theft or fraud.

Example of the Scam

Kendra received a text message saying there was a problem with her TSA PreCheck application and she needed to verify her information. The link led to a convincing website that asked for her credit card number. After entering her details, Kendra later noticed fraudulent charges on her account.

Tips to Protect Yourself From the TSA PreCheck Offer Scam

• Use the official website. Only apply at tsa.gov/precheck.
• Ignore unsolicited enrollment messages. TSA does not send enrollment offers via email or text.
• Protect your sensitive information. Never provide Social Security numbers or payment details on unofficial sites.
• Verify site security. Look for a secure URL starting with “https://” and a padlock icon.
• Be cautious of discounts. TSA fees are standardized, and big savings offers are often scams.

If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact your financial institution(s). If you’ve provided any financial information, contact us and any other financial institutions you work with to report the fraud and potentially stop any unauthorized transactions.
• Report the scam to the FTC. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. Also, inform your local law enforcement.
• Report the scam to the state attorney general. You can find information at NAAG.org.
• Report it to the TSA. Contact TSA via their official site to inform the agency about the impersonation attempt.