US regulator targets fake government ads aimed at passport applicants

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a complaint over an alleged scheme that impersonated a government service to reach consumers looking for passport services. The regulator names GovAssist, Entry and Scott Zuckerman, saying they placed paid Google ads to carry out the impersonation.

Key facts

• Regulator: US Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Named in the complaint: GovAssist, Entry and Scott Zuckerman
• Alleged method: paid Google ads imitating a government service
• Who was targeted: consumers seeking passport services
• Reported: 22 October 2026

What does the FTC allege?

The FTC says GovAssist, Entry and Scott Zuckerman used paid Google advertising to impersonate the government. The scheme, according to the complaint, misled consumers who were looking for passport services.

Who is affected?

The people described as affected are consumers who were searching for passport services online. The source does not say how many consumers were affected, how much money was involved, or which specific passport service was imitated.

What this means for travellers

The complaint describes a risk for anyone arranging passport services online: a paid advertisement can imitate a government service. Travellers arranging passport paperwork can check who is operating a site before paying for help, and be aware that a top placement in search results is an advertisement.

The source gives no further detail on the outcome of the complaint, any amounts sought, or any steps consumers should take if they believe they were misled. No start date, deadline or fee applies to this case as reported.