How To Keep Your U.S. Passport Out Of The Wrong Hands

The first thing you can do to help yourself is to just not panic. Anyone in that sort of situation would be stressed, so it's completely understandable. However, being stressed won't help you. Relax yourself, as there is a solution to this scary problem.

The next thing to do if you lose your passport is immediately contact the closest US embassy. Do not wait, and do not procrastinate. If your passport gets into the wrong hands, it could put you in very real danger. Identity theft has become an increasingly common problem all over the world, and passports prove to be an excellent tool for those looking to steal someone's identity.

Once you have contacted the embassy, ask to speak with someone from the American Citizens Service department of the Consular Section. First, they will immediately invalidate your missing or stolen passport. They will then tell you exactly what you will need to do, including how to get your new American passports and photos.

If your passport was stolen, be sure to report it to the local law enforcement. They will also create a report. This additional report goes towards making sure no one else uses your passport, and they are also used by the embassy in order to supplement their file on your stolen passport.

Make sure to give all the necessary information to the embassy that they will need in order to confirm your identity. This information includes but is not limited to your name, place and date of birth, where and when your passport was issued, as well as the passport number. Be sure to write down this information and keep it in a safe place. Having this information at the ready can drastically facilitate getting a new passport, meaning you will get your new passport quickly. Also, if your passport goes missing and you apply for another, contact someone in the United States. Make sure they know you will be delayed and that they may be contacted in order to help confirm your identity.

In order to protect your passport, along with your money and other important items, you might think about investing in a little purse or a money belt to wear beneath your clothes. Thieves who are looking to commit a crime will most likely target those who have their passport within reach. So by keeping yours hidden, you drastically reduce the risk of theft.

In the recent news, Lindsay Lohan, the tabloid queen, claimed that her passport was stolen in France. In her case, this left her having to miss her DUI case in Beverly Hills, along with her required Alcohol Education courses. Regardless of whether or not this is true, she quickly and efficiently obtained a new U.S. passport and got back to the United States in a timely manner. Many people go their whole lives without having to deal with something like this, but this story shows that it can happen to anyone. Being prepared is the best way to prevent theft, but if you discover you have a stolen passport someday, having this sort of knowledge at hand can help you get back home.