Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application? [Don't pay $75]

[FlyboyAl]

3 days ago, I renewed my wifes ESTA details as it was about to expire. The renewal was painless, except for the $75 fee!
We got a receipt for the payment, then an email with the approval, and the application number.
So far, so good.
I then went to the ESTA site to update her accomodation and flight booking for our trip next week, and it says NO APPLICATION RECEIVED!
I've emailed the credit card mob who took the money, and they gave me a contact link to send the query to, but that doesnt work.
Does anyone have any suggestion?
At this stage, we will take the copy of the email with her application number and approval, and show it to the border protection guy when we get to LAX. Mine is all ok with the travel and accomodation details.

 

[DeKa]

Did you really use the ESTA site or did you go to a scam site? The real site charges $14, not $75.

 

[ashleyn]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

I think you have been scammed, the cost of the visa is about $14. Check the website you used.

 

[Fantic125]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

Were you using this site?

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

The cost was only $14.00 USD when I renewed mine in August last year through the above site, or has it increased substantially since then?

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

Thank you all - will be following up with credit card company!
I'm at work - so dont have the details here

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

It looked genuine at 2am when I did it!
Welcome to ESTA Application Website

 

[SeatBackForward]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

It looked genuine at 2am when I did it!
Welcome to ESTA Application Website

Sorry to say, its just a .ORG website, not a .GOV
Anyone can buy and register a .org domain name.

 

[mella2007]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

There are many rogue ESTA websites circulating on the net. I had quite a few clients do the same thing a couple of months ago even after I provided the correct link.

It's ok....you do have a valid application, so don't worry from that aspect, all my clients who used that one were issued with the ESTA, the number was valid, no problems whatsoever....the extra charge is their commission these sites work. However you are unable to update your information with these sites.

If you go to organise a chargeback and then go to the correct ESTA site, the system will say you already have a valid number and won't allow you to apply again.

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

I done a refund through the credit card processor CCBill. Even he was confused between the real site and the other one.
Now I'm worried about her passport details and my credit card details.
Should I be worried?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

There are many rogue ESTA websites circulating on the net. I had quite a few clients do the same thing a couple of months ago even after I provided the correct link.

It's ok....you do have a valid application, so don't worry from that aspect, all my clients who used that one were issued with the ESTA, the number was valid, no problems whatsoever....the extra charge is their commission these sites work. However you are unable to update your information with these sites.

If you go to organise a chargeback and then go to the correct ESTA site, the system will say you already have a valid number and won't allow you to apply again.

If the OP does go ahead with the chargeback is the ESTA still valid? I don't suppose the dodgy site that charged the $75.00 can cancel the visa can they?

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

that was going to be my next question!

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

I'm waiting for DEFAT to call me re the passport - if we keep it or replace it. At least we have a week before we leave!!!

 

[Fantic125]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

that was going to be my next question!

I would suggest logging on to the real ESTA site (in the link I gave above) and entering the application number and see what it tells you...

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

I just tried another application on the correct wesite (!) and it came back with Approved Application Found, with more than 30 days validity, so on the surface all looks ok.
I gues, if the worst came to the worst, I'd have to leave her behind
WAIT, I DIDN'T SAY THAT!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

It looked genuine at 2am when I did it!
Welcome to ESTA Application Website

From about us:

esta-app.org is a web site established to provide convenience for applicants to apply for ESTA, and is a private web site with no relation to US government or US embassy.

 

[robd]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

I just tried another application on the correct wesite (!) and it came back with Approved Application Found, with more than 30 days validity, so on the surface all looks ok.
I gues, if the worst came to the worst, I'd have to leave her behind
WAIT, I DIDN'T SAY THAT!

Hang on, did you cancel the $75 payment via the credit card issuer? If yes, then are you sure the ESTA payment has been processed?

 

[Fantic125]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

Hang on, did you cancel the $75 payment via the credit card issuer? If yes, then are you sure the ESTA payment has been processed?

Given that ESTA approvals are pretty well instantaneous I would check again 2 days before departure that the ESTA is still valid. If not, I would just apply again through the correct website.

And don't forget to complete the advance passenger notification details through the airline booking.

 

[FlyboyAl]

Re: Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application?

Given that ESTA approvals are pretty well instantaneous I would check again 2 days before departure that the ESTA is still valid. If not, I would just apply again through the correct website.

And don't forget to complete the advance passenger notification details through the airline booking.

Thats the plan, and the advance notification has already been done

 

[mella2007]

Just bite the bullet and swallow the charge. Your Esta is valid as I mentioned but too risky to charge back. It did get you what you paid for, hence it's not an overcharge. As many others make the mistake of using similar sites.

 

[serfty]

Just bite the bullet and swallow the charge. Your Esta is valid as I mentioned but too risky to charge back. It did get you what you paid for, hence it's not an overcharge. As many others make the mistake of using similar sites.

Why?

If the OP can reasonably redo their ESTA without issue, and claw back USD60 in the process, then what is the problem?