Beware copycat websites overcharging for Esta and Ehic documents

With the summer holidays upon us we have had a flurry of complaints from readers who have fallen for copycat websites that aim to dupe those applying for an Esta permit (the US’s online visa system) and, to a lesser extent, the Ehic health insurance card into paying unnecessary fees.

Under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program, all Britons entering the US are required to apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta, at least 72 hours prior to travel and pay a $ 14 (£10.60) fee. From April this year, they also need to hold a biometric passport with a built-in chip.

However, unscrupulous operators have set up copycat websites, where the sole purpose seems to be to catch out the unwary and get them to hand over an additional service or administration fee. They do so by making their website look like the official site, or by just hoping that some consumers don’t know better and will pay them for the unnecessary service.

Guardian Money has repeatedly warned about this issue, but despite moves by Google and promises of action by UK ministers, it shows no sign of going away. There is even a warning about fake sites on the official Esta site.

The free Ehic card gives access to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another European Economic Area country and Switzerland. Although the service, at gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card, was temporarily unavailable online immediately after the result of the Brexit referendum due to a technical glitch, it is now up and running as normal.

Copycat websites still provide the Ehic card, but charge an unnecessary fee. We have learned of a spate of “reminder” emails being sent to consumers who have already been duped into paying fees as their cards get close to expiry. You have been warned.

We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number

Beware copycat websites overcharging for Esta and Ehic documents

Pro-anorexia websites: advice for mothers and fathers

‘Thinspiration’ is defined as any articles that inspires men and women to be thinner, and contains photos and video clips of typically renowned thin folks.

A lot of of these web sites have been created by individuals with consuming disorders who falsely believe that they are well and that anorexia is a life style decision. These kind of internet sites have resources that inspire other people via starvation or purging.

Simply because anorexia and bulimia go by the code names ’ana’ and ’mia’ these internet sites are frequently referred to as pro-ana and professional-mia. They selection from promotion of eating ailments with info on how ideal to even more build the disorder, to sites that supply a wonderful deal of professional-recovery material – this kind of as Beat’s.

Seem into your child’s video viewing historical past. Individuals with consuming problems seek out internet sites such as YouTube the place there are thousands of movies made to encourage people with consuming disorders in their quest to be thinner, plus guidelines and tricks for attaining their objectives.

Have a gentle conversation to request why your kid was visiting these web sites prior to jumping to conclusions. A typical misperception is that only girls struggle with consuming ailments. Males can also struggle with eating disorders so the very same degree of concern need to be utilized to the two.

Mother and father need to always preserve an eye out for dramatic excess weight reduction that is either obvious, or is currently being masked by numerous layers of clothing – a common tactic employed by individuals with eating issues.

If you do find cause for concern then get in touch with your GP for support. The sooner you seek out assistance, the much better the chances of your child overcoming these severe psychiatric illnesses and go on to lead a normal, fulfilling and wholesome daily life.

There is a great deal of details offered on the Beat website and Beat’s helplines and messageboards are a source of support and support to concerned dad and mom and carers.

For a lot more information visit b-eat.co.united kingdom or phone the helpline on 0845 634 1414.

Consuming Problems Awareness Week 2014 runs from February 24 to March two.

Pro-anorexia websites: advice for mothers and fathers