Passport theft is on the rise worldwide.  Stolen US passports are particularly valuable on the black market, making American citizens especially vulnerable to passport theft.  Of course, criminals need not even steal your passport to cross borders under your identity.  Identity theft is one of the most problematic "white collar" criminal activities in the United States.  Cons need only to steal some basic information about you and will be able to apply for a US passport in your name. 

In order to protect American citizens from the problems arising from passport theft, the U.S Department of State launched a new partnership in 2004.  This partnership combines the efforts of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice and Interpol to "contribute substantially to worldwide travel document security," according to Richard Boucher, spokesman for the U.S. Department of State.  The agencies involved have agreed to cooperate by sharing information via an international database.  Among data that is shared, the agencies immediately invalidate any US passport that is reported lost or stolen by its owner.  Once invalidated, that US passport cannot be used to enter or leave a country. 

Part of the U.S. Department of State's commitment to protecting Americans from passport theft includes protecting their privacy.  When a US passport theft or loss is reported, only the most basic personal information is added to the database.  Not even the name of the US passport holder is shared.  Instead, Interpol databases carry only the passport number and country of issuance of US passports reported stolen or lost. 

The international database also records and shares information regarding other types of travel documents. Lost or stolen travel visas, identity cards and more are all part of the international program.  According to Interpol, over 2,000 lost or stolen travel documents were identified through this program between 2002 and 2006, including some US passports. 

Naturally, the system is only as good as its users.  Protecting yourself from passport theft must start with you, the passport holder.  Some good tips to remember include: 

* Keep your US passport secure.  When you are traveling abroad, keep your passport on your person at all times.  Carry it in a concealed place if possible, like a money belt.  Never leave it in a hotel room. When you are at home, store your passport in a safe location, preferably under lock and key.  Another good option is to store it in a bank safety deposit box. 

* Report passport theft or loss immediately.  As soon as you realize your US passport is missing, contact Passport Services at the U.S. Department of State if you are at home.  If you are traveling abroad, contact the nearest US Consulate or Embassy.  They will ensure that your US passport number is entered into the international data base.  They will also help you obtain documentation to get home.

* Renew your US passport as soon as it expires.  This helps to prevent someone else from applying for a passport in your name.