Sint Maarten warns of scam sites charging for free ED cards online

Sint Maartenthe Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, has issued a warning to travellers, stating that scammers are charging money to complete an embarkation/disembarkation form (ED card).

“Recent reports have identified a private third-party site that charges visitors a fee to complete or ‘process’ a required form,” an official press release said.

“The Government of Sint Maarten reiterates that there are no fees associated with submitting the ED form through Official website“.

Scam sites are said to charge up to $139.99 per person for ED cards.

The Sint Maarten government has warned people that some websites are impersonating an official portal for filling the ED card. (Clint Henderson)

Mai Ling Chun, Sint Maarten’s tourism director, said in the statement that the government is committed to protecting visitors.

“We urge all travelers to verify that they are using the official website before providing their personal information or making any payments,” Chun said.

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“If you believe you have been charged by an unofficial website, we encourage you to contact your account Bank or card provider She added immediately.

Gabriela Ribeiro of TRU Marketing, a New Jersey-based company focused on transportation, mobility and public safety, told Fox News Digital that travelers should know that there is only one official website for the St. Maarten Government Card (ED).www.entry.sx).

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“The form is straightforward, takes only a few minutes to complete, and is completely free,” she said.

“These third-party sites often appear at the top of search results as sponsored listings and may give the impression that payment is required.

Travelers should pay attention to sponsored search results that offer “expedited” or “subsidized” ED card services for a fee, one expert said. (Istock)

“While it is not necessarily fraudulent, it simply asks travelers to submit a form that can be filled out independently at no cost on the official government website.”

Ribeiro said travelers should be wary of sponsored search results that offer “expedited” or “subsidized” ED card services for a fee.

““Travelers are particularly vulnerable to this problem.”

““Travelers are particularly vulnerable to this problem because they often quickly complete entry requirements while preparing for a trip. They may rely on search engine results without realizing that the first listings could be sponsored ads,” she added.

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She said third-party websites are designed to resemble official government portals and can create the impression that payment is required.

There were 395,053 resident visitors and 1,318,177 cruise passengers in 2023. (Istock)

“Airlines notify passengers frequently “The ED card must be completed before travel, which may create urgency,” Ribeiro said. “At that moment, travelers may click on the first link they see without checking that it is the official government website.”

She said that in order for travelers to avoid unnecessary fees, they should make sure they are on an official website before providing any personal information or payment.

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“Sponsored ads and similar sites often appear at the top of search results and can resemble government or airline portals, which may lead travelers to assume they have to use these services,” Ribeiro warned.

There were 395,053 resident visitors and 1,318,177 cruise passengers in 2023, according to government data.

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