Is GovPlus a Scam? 

If you’re thinking of using GovPlus, you need to know: Is GovPlus a scam? 

Below, we explain whether GovPlus is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when using this online platform. 

What Is GovPlus?

GovPlus (GOV+) is an online platform that helps users prepare, complete, and track various government-related forms.

For example, passport applications, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and name changes among others. 

The platform guides, checks, and helps fill out official forms and offers expert reviews to minimize errors. There’s also document management features, such as automatic renewals and secure vault storage. 

GovPlus is not a government or state agency. It is a private company that is officially authorized to interact with some government services,  but not most others. 

Is GovPlus a Scam?

No, GovPlus is not a scam. It’s a legitimate third-party service (i.e., not government or state agency) that helps users complete and track government documents and applications. 

User reviews of GovPlus are mixed:

• 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (from 5,615 reviews) on Trustpilot. 
• 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (from 2,591 reviews) on Better Business Bureau. 
• 1.7 out of 5.0 stars (from 201 reviews) on Pissed Consumer. 

On online forums like Reddit, there’s a lot of confusion and mixed opinions about GovPlus.

Many first-time users say they thought GovPlus was an official government site because of the name and the design and that only later did they realize it’s not, in fact, a .gov website.

Several people also noted that, in their opinion, the service charges high fees for free forms and several said they still had to mail paperwork themselves after paying GovPlus. 

Other complaints include unexpected recurring charges or memberships they didn’t realize they signed up for and delays. 

That said, other users said they found GovPlus useful.

For instance, one person writes:

“It’s not a scam and they’re very upfront about what they’re doing. They say they’re a financial institution. They’re just charging you $57 for the use of their time and software. For me that’s in a rural area it worked well because I’d have to drive three and a half hours to get into a place to submit all my info. Basically it’s just a convenient site.”

GovPlus is not Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited. It has received 628 total complaints on the BBB website in the last three years, 421 of which have been closed in the past 12 months. (Read our review “Is BBB a Scam?”)

Terms of service

GovPlus explains in more detail how its service works in its terms of service.

In it, it says that parts of its service can be purchased for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. Subscription plans auto-renew unless you cancel before the billing date

Fees don’t include government charges (passport fees, notary fees, taxes, etc.)

You have seven days to evaluate GovPlus services. If you don’t use any services in that period, you can get a refund (within that seven day period).  Services count as “rendered” as soon as an application is completed or even if you just activate features like “document vault.”

GovPlus provides services “as is” with no guarantees. It doesn’t guarantee approval of your application or meeting government deadlines and they are not providing legal or financial advice.

GovPlus may suspend or terminate your account if you breach the terms.

They can modify services or pricing at any time. If they reduce functionality in a subscription, they’ll provide a pro-rata refund.

Security

In its privacy policy, GovPlus says it makes “reasonable efforts to protect your information by using physical and electronic safeguards.” 

GovPlus describes its security protections in more detail elsewhere on its website. 

It says it hosts services on AWS infrastructure and uses 256-bit TLS encryption (bank-level security) to protect data in transit. 

Payments are processed under PCI DSS compliance, and accounts are further secured through multi-factor authentication, login/device monitoring, and real-time fraud detection. 

It also uses Norton 360 malware protection, web application firewalls (WAF), and DDoS prevention tools to ensure reliability, with a dedicated security staff monitoring activity 24/7.

Privacy 

GovPlus explains the kind of data it collects, for what purposes, and with whom it shares it in its privacy policy.

It collects the following information:

• Registration and profile information, such as your name, date and place of birth, address, phone number, Social Security number, tax identification number, citizenship or visa status, information about your family members, driver’s license number, medical identification numbers, credit card information, employee information, and more (depending on which of GovPlus’ services you use). 
• Communications, such as your name, email address, and the contents of your message or attachments. 
• Payment information, such as credit card or other financial information.
• Documents and images  related to your government applications.
• Location information.
• Device information, including your IP address, web browser type and version, and operating system version.
• Usage information, such as the pages or other content you view, the dates and times of your visits, mouse movements, keystroke patterns, and content you post. 
• Information from cookies and other tracking technologies. 
• Information from third-party sources. 

It may use this information for filing and managing government applications, personalizing your experience, customer support and communications, marketing, advertising, fraud prevention, security, analytics, service improvement, legal compliance, and responding to government requests.

The company may share your data with government agencies (at your direction), affiliates and subsidiaries of GovPlus, vendors and service providers (e.g., payment processors and customer support), analytics and advertising partners, law enforcement (when legally required), third parties (with your consent), and buyers/partners in case GovPlus is sold, merged, or transferred.

GovPlus uses your information for personalized marketing.

It keeps your data as long as it’s needed for services, legal compliance, or business reasons. Afterward, it deletes or de-identifies it.

You can opt out of GovPlus’ marketing text messages and promotional emails. 

So, Should You Use GovPlus?

Probably. As long as you fully understand what you’re paying for (a convenience service, not official government processing) and you’re comfortable with the cost and data collection. 

How to Use GovPlus Safely and Privately

• Verify you’re on the official GovPlus website. Only use govplus.com. Avoid clicking on search engine ads as these could lead you to malicious websites. Instead, type the URL directly into your browser. Make sure the site shows https:// and a lock icon in the address bar.
• Limit the amount of personal data you share. Only provide the information strictly required. Avoid uploading extra documents or details unless absolutely necessary. If possible, redact sensitive data from uploaded documents that isn’t needed for your request.
• Avoid unwanted subscriptions. Double-check whether you’re signing up for a one-time service or a subscription. If you do choose a subscription, set a reminder to cancel before the renewal date.
• Use a virtual credit card or prepaid card. This way, if you forget to cancel GovPlus, they can’t keep billing you.
• Opt out of marketing and tracking. Immediately opt out of marketing texts: reply STOP or email GovPlus. Unsubscribe from marketing emails using the link in the footer. Also, use a privacy-focused browser with tracker blocking and adjust cookie settings via the banner or cookie icon on GovPlus site.
• Download and save everything. Keep a copy of all forms, receipts, and email confirmations. If GovPlus delays or loses your application, you’ll need proof to dispute charges or re-file.
• Protect your GovPlus account. Create a unique, strong password for GovPlus (make sure you don’t reuse one from another site) and turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) when prompted. 
• Watch for unexpected login notifications. If you see them, change your password immediately.
• Know your refund rights. You have 7 days for a refund if you didn’t use any of GovPlus’ services.