Sep 11 2010
Keeping Your United States Passport Out Of The Wrong Hands
Everyone who has ever been on a trip knows that its very rarely that everything goes according to plan. And unfortunately, many travelers find themselves with missing or stolen U.S. passports. If this person is you, there is help. There are things to do that can get you a new passport fast, and once you get this new passport, you can get back to your vacation with as few issues as possible.
First, relax. Its easy to get panicked when you realize you cant find your passport. Anyone would. However, panicking will not help you. So relax and take a deep breath. There is a solution.
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 someones identity.
Once youve contacted the embassy, speak with someone from the American Citizens Service department of the Consular Section. They will go about invalidating your stolen passport. This means that no one can utilize it. After this, they will tell you exactly what you need to do to get back home, from getting a new pasports to passport pictures.
The next thing you can do is contact the local authorities if your passport was stolen. They will file an additional report. This report will be used to take legal action as well as for helping the United States embassy file a report for your stolen passport.
Gather all the necessary information and relay it to the embassy. This helps confirm your identity. The information you will need includes your name, your date of birth, place of birth, when your passport was issued, where it was issued, and the passport number. Before you leave for your trip, write this information down and keep a copy with a relative and another copy in a safe place. Having it ready in case of an emergency will make your renewal process go smoother and faster. Contact someone in the United States so they know your passport has been stolen and that you might be delayed on your return. This person might also be contacted in order to help validate your identity.
Consider investing in money belt or a little purse that you can wear under your clothes. Those looking to steal identities are more likely to target those who have their important documents in conspicuous places, and by simply keeping yours out of sight, you reduce the risk of theft greatly.
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 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 US passport someday, having this sort of knowledge at hand can help you get back home.
No related posts.