Can anyone recommend new companies that offer cheaper way to buy Bitcoin ....?   Today is March 27, 2018.

What about these escrow services? 

Bit Trust
Pay Safe Escrow
Safe Funds
Escrow My Bits
Pay Safe Escrow

Anyone had experience using any of these escrow companies? 

Thanks!

This is very helpful information, thank you.  I am very concerned about trading Bitcoin without some kind of escrow protection.  Do you recommend any good online escrow services for buying or selling Bitcoin?     Thanks!

Is it safe?  Sir Laurence Olivier posed that very same question to Dustin Hoffman in the film, Marathon Man.
As for the passport, I'm not so certain that it is safe.