Is it possible to order official certificates (birth) from private organizations?
I ordered a birth certificate from usbirthcertificates.net and I have a very strong hunch that it is an identity theft scam, they took my credit card number rather than having me mail a check or money order, the form is strikingly similar to the official vital records office form yet it claims on the website to be private, and it’s been over a month and I keep calling and they keep delaying me by saying they’ve been having problems with processing and what not. Finally, it said that it would cost but they charged me (luckily the check bounced). Does anyone know if this site is a scam or if private organizations can even issue these certificates?
sounds like a scam. i have never heard of birth or death certificates being sold by private organizations.
in texas, you would generally get certified copies of birth and death certificates from either the county or the city municipality. they cost between $3 and $15 depending on the area and how old the certificate is (do they have to search the archives for a very old one)
contact your local police department and notify them of what happened. you could also try the better business bureau or your bank. you may want to change your credit cards or watch your statements carefully for unauthorized purchases