Sint Maarten warns of scam sites charging fees for free ED cards online
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Fake-looking websites mimic a tropical island’s official login portal by charging unsuspecting visitors to fill out a free form.
Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, has issued a warning to passengers stating that scammers are demanding money to fill out the Boarding/Disembarkation form (ED card).
“Recent reports have identified a private, third-party website charging visitors to fill out or ‘process’ the required form,” an official press release states.
“The Government of Sint Maarten reiterates that there is no fee for submitting the emergency form through the official website,” the statement said. The statement was included.
Scam sites reportedly 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 to fill up an ED card. (Clint Henderson)
Sint Maarten’s tourism director, May-Ling Chun, said in a statement that the government was committed to protecting visitors.
“We urge all travelers to verify that they are using the official website before submitting personal information or making any payments,” Chun said.
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“If you believe you are being accused by an unofficial website, bank or card provider “immediately,” he added.
Gabriella Ribeiro of TRU Marketing, a New Jersey-based firm focused on transportation, mobility and public safety, told Fox News Digital that travelers are looking for ways to stay in St. Maarten said the Government should know that there is only one official ED card website (www.entry.sx).
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“The form is pretty simple, takes just a few minutes to fill out, and is completely free,” he said.
“These third-party sites often appear as sponsored listings at the top of search results and may give the impression that payment is required.”
Travelers should watch out for sponsored search results offering “expedited” or “assisted” ED card services for a fee, an expert has said. (iStock)
He added: “While they are not scammers, they do charge travelers to submit a form on the official government site that can be completed independently at no cost.”
Ribeiro said travelers should watch out for 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 rush through entry requirements in preparation for a trip,” he said. “They may rely on search engine results without realizing that the initial listings may be sponsored ads.”
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He said third-party sites were designed to resemble official government portals and could create the impression that payment was required.
In 2023, there were 395,053 accommodation visitors and 1,318,177 cruise passengers. (iStock)
“Airlines often inform passengers that the ED card must be filled out before travel, which can create urgency,” Ribeiro said. “At that moment, travelers can click on the first link they see without verifying that it is the official government website.”
He said travelers should verify they are on an official website before submitting any personal information or payments to avoid unnecessary fees.
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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 can lead travelers to think they must use these services,” Ribeiro said. he warned.
According to government data, there were 395,053 accommodation visitors and 1,318,177 cruise passengers in 2023.
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