Know how thieves think: Your passport can be stolen in these 4 ways

▲ Passport (Photo / Darzee / Illustration)

By Rita

A terrifying statistic you may not know: Since 2002, more than 40 million passports worldwide have been reported lost, with 300,000 lost annually in the United States alone. We all know to be careful—many even buy anti-theft bags—but actually, understanding the mindset of thieves helps a lot. According to the website Kantinada, here are four common methods used to steal passports.

1. Distracting You
When do we usually take out our passports? Probably when checking into a hotel. Many thieves take advantage of this moment—they might pretend to return a key or ask the front desk a question, and while you’re filling out accommodation-related forms, they steal your passport. The best approach is to always keep your passport in clear view when showing it to hotel staff—don’t place it near your elbow—and put it away as soon as it’s checked.

2. Spilling Something
Many movie scenes feature this trick: spilling something (like ice cream or juice) to divert your attention. The thief mainly takes advantage while you’re cleaning up or helping out to steal your documents. If this happens to you, avoid letting them get close and quickly walk away.

3. From Your Pocket
Never put your passport in your pocket. It’s best to keep your money and passport separate—you can carry a small separate bag specifically for your passport, preferably one with a zipper.

4. Pretending to Be Police
Aside from hotel check-ins or airports, another place where passports may be checked is at borders. Many countries deploy plainclothes police to combat crime, but many people also encounter situations where individuals claiming to be officers ask to inspect documents. First, how can you tell if they’re real? If people of different nationalities around you are also being asked to show their papers, it’s more likely to be legitimate. Basically, it’s best to confirm the person’s identity before handing over your passport. Another method is to ask them to accompany you to the nearest police station or hotel lobby to conduct the inspection.