TNN is investigating reports from members of the public about an alleged passport processing scam involving two female individuals claiming to operate a passport application service.
The individuals, said to be based in the eastern and western ends of the island, have allegedly left numerous applicants frustrated and without resolution.
One young man shared his experience, explaining that he has been unable to contact these individuals after submitting his application and payment. Calls to their numbers go unanswered, leaving him in limbo.
TNN’s own staff member has encountered similar issues after submitting passport applications to one of the individual. Despite applying and making full payment of $657.00 as far back as July 5th—more than 20 weeks ago—there has been no progress. Upon making inquiries to the Department of Immigration, TNN News discovered that at least two of the applications had not even been submitted to the department.
When contacted on Friday just before 5pm, by the owner of the business—allegedly insisted that they were still awaiting a response from Immigration. However, these claims appear to conflict with information obtained directly from the department.
The TNN insider is filing complaints with both the Bermuda Police Service and the Immigration Department to prevent others from being caught in this apparent scam.
To the public, TNN News offers this advice: go directly to the Department of Immigration to handle your passport applications. Avoid using unverified third-party services, as they may result in delays, financial losses, and significant inconvenience.
For those who have already been affected, reapplication directly through Immigration may be necessary. As one victim put it, “After five months, I now have to start over, and I still need my Bermuda passport.”
This situation underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for a thorough investigation to protect the community from fraudulent activities. TNN will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
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