Is this site legitimate?

S

Stract54

Inactive
Is anyone familiar with the website

http://concealedcarryservices.org/pennsylvania/

I accidentally gave this addy to my nephew as the official site to apply for his CCW permit.

It's been 4 years since I got mine and I didn't remember which site I used. When he told me he gave them a credit card number for $17 I knew it was the wrong site. You don't pay til you pick up your permit.

In my defense I was in a hurry because I found out yesterday he was carrying a gun I sold him without a permit so I hurried up and grabbed the first site that looked official.

So the $17 is the least of our worries at this point--I told him I would reimburse him for that-- but we're worried about future charges to his card. I tried to contact the company but I got no response back. If anyone knows anything about them please let me know.

Thanks!!
 
I'd suggest signing up for the PAFOA forum and posting there.

The company may be legitimate in terms of giving you something for your money and not scamming your credit card (or it may not), but I can't see paying a "service" $17 to "help" with obtaining a permit (license, in PA) that costs $20, requires you to apply in person and be photographed, and in most counties lets you walk out the door with your spiffy new license.

Why did you think your nephew needed any web site to get his license? You can't apply by mail or on-line ... applications must be made in person. The law changed a couple or three years ago to require that the applicant's photo AND signature be "captured" electronically, so all applicants have to show up in person.

Gotta be on the lookout for those runaway signatures ... :rolleyes:

From the web site:

Applying for a Concealed Carry Permit in Pennsylvania

Please complete the form below to proceed with the assisted application process, which includes a proprietary step-by-step guide.
Click to expand...
My guess is that they'll download the application form and type in your information, then they send it to you with instructions:

  1. Sign the application
  2. Drive to sheriff's office
  3. Hand application to clerk
  4. Follow clerk's instructions

Yep, that's worth at least $17.
 
Last edited:
Good Question

Quote:

"Why did you think your nephew needed any web site to get his license? You can't apply by mail or on-line ... applications must be made in person. The law changed a couple or three years ago to require that the applicant's photo AND signature be "captured" electronically, so all applicants have to show up in person"

Here's the reason...
When I applied for my Carry Permit I went to the 'correct' website where you printed out a pdf file, filled it out and mailed it in. If you were approved you would get a postcard in the mail telling you so and telling you where to go to complete the process. Then you would go to the Sheriff's office, get photo'd, pay your $20 and walk out with your permit. This would save you from making 2 trips to the Sheriff's office because it takes a couple weeks from app to permit. I believe it is still that way. I think it would have worked had I not been too quick to choose from the multiple websites Google presented me. Since I am an I.T. professional I'm looking pretty dumb right about now to my relatives...
 
Try this one. Scroll down about half way on the page and there are instructions for applying for a License To Carry Firearms (a.k.a. "LTCF").

http://www.co.venango.pa.us/index.php/about-sheriff

At the very bottom of the page is the link to download the actual blank application form, and either save it or open it in Adobe Reader. I don't remember for sure, but I believe the original, printed applications are on two sides of one sheet, so when printing your own to fill out it might make sense to print it single-sided and double-sided, so you have all bases covered.

The instructions should be basically valid for all counties in PA except Philadelphia, which has its own set of hoops through which they make applicants jump.
 
Looks legit and up front about the fee for "services".

How much is your assistance service, and how will it help me?

The first-time applicant assistance service is $17, and includes a number of beneficial features. Our experts are very familiar with the application process, and they have drafted a guide that will walk you through each step in clear, easy-to-understand language. In addition to the guide, which is available exlusively through this service, you will receive prompt phone and email support from our knowledgable staff. They will help you by answering your questions without subjecting you to the hold times that many callers face when they try to reach the state office directly.

*Official forms are provided for free by the state. You do not have pay for any services on this site to access these free documents.
Click to expand...

No BBB reports either...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top