Can they see the picture and numbers ?
Try going to the airport and see if the chip is damaged.
Just thinking outloud.
How do I know if my passport is damaged?
According to the US government, a passport is considered damaged and may not be used if “The passport has been materially changed in physical appearance or composition, or contains a damaged, defective or otherwise nonfunctioning chip, or includes unauthorized changes, obliterations, entries or photographs, or has observable wear or tear that renders it unfit for use as a travel document, and the Department either takes possession of the passport or sends a written notice to the bearer.”
How Can I Check if My Passport Chip is Damaged? The only way to tell if your passport is damaged is when you go to the airport for a trip and have it scanned by a customs agent. They'll be able to tell you if your chip is damaged and malfunctioning.