Your passport serves as an identification document, carrying crucial information, like your passport number. But, your passport number can be misused if it gets into the wrong hands. So, what can someone do with your passport number?
This blog covers how your passport number can be misused, how to prevent it, and what to do if your passport number has been misused.
What Can Someone Do With Your Passport Number?
If your passport number gets into the wrong hands, it can be misused and hence cause considerable damage. Some of the things a fraudster may do with your passport number are identity theft, forgery, and POI misuse. POI misuse can lead to unauthorized retrieval of money from your account.
1. Identity Misuse
Your passport number can potentially be misused for identity theft. Many countries have improved their entry procedures to spot fake passports, and low-quality counterfeit passports are only slightly useful for other types of identity theft.
However, there are some countries that don’t scan the microchips or barcodes on passports. In these places, even a low-quality fake passport could be used by a criminal to enter.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the extent of damage from identity theft relies on the information beyond just your passport number that a fraudster might have.
2. Fake Passports
A passport number can be a target for misuse, especially if someone is involved in creating fake passports using real numbers. So, if a fraudster manages to get hold of a copy of your passport, they could potentially use it to make counterfeit passports.
Modern passports have beefed-up security features, which have made this kind of scam less common, though it still happens from time to time.
If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to passport identity theft, getting a new passport can be a wise move. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for covering the cost of the updated document.
3. Unauthorized Access
A relatively new form of identity theft involves the use of scanned copies of passports or passport scans as Proof of Identity (POI). Many companies and websites request POI as a way to verify your identity.
Here’s where the trouble begins: some scammers exploit these online identities for illegal activities and might use another person’s passport scan as proof. This misuse of POI can lead to unauthorized withdrawals from your bank account.
On the dark web, passport data is available for sale in three different forms: digital scans, templates for creating passports, and actual physical passports. Scans might range from $5 to $65, templates can cost between $29 and $89, and the finished product can go for as much as $5,000.
So, if a fraudster gets their hands on a copy of your passport scan, they could either sell it or use it for themselves. This could end up implicating you in crimes that you have no knowledge of. It’s a concerning situation.
What Does A Passport Contain?
Passports typically include essential information like your name, place of birth, date of birth, date of issue, expiration date, passport number, a photo of you, and your signature. Depending on the type of passport and your standing in your home country, there may be additional information.
Most of the time, passports come in the form of compact booklets. Both the cover and the pages inside carry important details.
In the past, older passports only had this information printed on them. However, modern passports come with an electronic chip and/or a machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the data page, making them readable by machines as well.
It’s worth noting that passports from different countries often have distinct designs and features.
What Information Do The Different Pages Of Passport Contain?
- Passport information is often displayed on the front cover, which includes the name of the issuing nation, their national emblem, a description of the passport type, and sometimes a biometric symbol.
- The first page is typically a title page that identifies the nation and might have additional details.
- The next page is the data page. It’s where you find the passport holder’s name, photo, signature, nationality, date, and place of birth, passport number, issuance date, expiration date, and the place of issue or issuing authority.
- Biometric passports or electronic passports have a machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom to provide traveler identification information.
- Following the data page, there are several blank pages where entry and exit stamps from other countries can be stamped.
- Towards the end of the passport, there might be general travel advice and a page for listing your emergency contacts.
- Usually, the rear cover is left empty.
What Is A Passport Number?
When we talk about a “passport number,” we’re referring to the special, one-of-a-kind number on your passport. This number consists of nine digits and is specifically tied to your passport application. It also reveals which passport office issued it.
For travel, especially when you’re going abroad, this number is crucial. It serves as proof of your nationality and identity.
You can find your passport number on the first page of your passport, right next to your passport photo and other personal information.
Why Is A Passport Number Important?
When you’re traveling abroad, your passport number is not just a bunch of digits. It’s a vital piece of your personal identity and official documentation. That’s why it holds such high importance.
Your passport number, along with all the security features, is what links your passport to you as an individual. You can think of it as a code stored in a government database. It’s like your unique identifier in the world of international travel.
Is Passport Number Confidential?
Your passport number isn’t as confidential as your credit card PIN or password. But that doesn’t mean you should give it out without good reason. It’s always wise to be cautious.
While passport numbers are not top-secret, it’s best to hold off sharing them until it’s absolutely necessary.
Before you hand over your passport number, take a moment to ensure that the person or organization asking for it is reputable and trustworthy. It’s a good practice to safeguard your personal information.
When Can Someone Ask For Your Passport Number?
There are instances where you might be asked for your passport number, such as:
- International flight bookings
- Purchasing airline tickets
- International bank transfers
- Registering for school
- Emergency identification
- Work authorization
- Proof of citizenship
- Applying for a driver’s license
- Getting a SIM card
- Opening a bank account
- Confirming your age at a club or restaurant
In some situations, it may be necessary to share your passport details to proceed with these processes.
For instance, in the case of a bank transfer from a foreign country, passport details are required to identify the source of the transfer by the bank. This could be because the donor’s account is a foreign account (NRI, OCI, etc).
On the other hand, your passport can be used in certain situations that might otherwise require your birth certificate, state’s ID, or driver’s license.
Therefore, you can confirm with the authority demanding your passport details whether you can share some alternate ID or proof, or whether some other document can fulfill the purpose of your passport details.
How To Avoid Misuse Of Your Passport Number?
You can avoid misuse of your passport and passport number by using a cloud storage service to keep a virtual copy. Another thing you can do is hide irrelevant details so as to not give away too much information. You can also share alternate documents if possible.
The following advice may be useful to avoid misuse of your passport number:
1. Use Cloud Storage Service
When sharing important documents, especially a scanned copy of your passport, it’s best to take some precautions. Emailing it as an attachment right away may not be the safest option. Here’s a more secure method:
- Use a Reliable Cloud Storage: Choose a trusted cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, WIRED or similar options.
- Upload Your Document: Upload your scanned passport or any sensitive information to the cloud platform. This provides an extra layer of security.
- Share a Link: Instead of emailing the document, send your friend a secure link to the file stored in the cloud.
- Control Access: Most cloud services allow you to manage access. You can revoke access if needed, which restricts the recipient’s ability to view or download the file.
Be cautious with free cloud storage services that may lack proper encryption and security. Also, avoid free file-sharing services, as they can pose security risks. Trusted cloud storage providers like Dropbox and Google Drive are popular and reliable choices for safeguarding your sensitive documents.
2. Hide Irrelevant Information
When sharing a scanned copy of your passport, it’s a good practice to trim down the information to the essentials. Remove any unnecessary details. For instance, if you’re sharing with a tourist group, they may not need to see your birthdate, place of birth, passport issue date, or expiration date.
By excluding this information when it’s not required, you can help minimize potential risks.
3. Share Alternate Document
When sharing your passport details, consider if there’s an alternative document that can serve the same purpose for identification or verification. You can check with the requesting authority to see if they accept an alternate ID or another document instead of your passport details.
In essence, it’s vital to refrain from sharing your personal information unless it’s absolutely necessary. For example, when traveling within the U.S., many times you can check in and out of hotels without ever needing to provide your passport number. This way, you can safeguard your privacy.
What To Do When Someone Breaches Your Passport Number?
Discovering that your passport number has been compromised can be unsettling. Criminals could potentially use your passport number, alongside your name and other information, for illicit purposes. However, it’s essential to understand that your passport number is not the same as your physical passport.
For U.S. citizens, there’s some relief in knowing that their passport number alone cannot grant access to State Department or government records.
However, it’s still information about you that could be exploited by criminals trying to impersonate you. While not the end of the world, it’s a situation to be cautious about.
1. Get a Replacement Passport
If you can provide evidence that your passport was used for fraudulent purposes or identity theft, you might qualify for a replacement passport. So, if only your passport number was compromised, it’s not immediately necessary to replace the entire document.
Unlike passport theft, identity theft typically doesn’t start with the passport number alone. Therefore, there’s a chance you won’t receive a free replacement passport. In this case, you would be responsible for the cost of obtaining new documents. It’s a situation to consider carefully.
2. Update Your Passport
One option to consider is getting a new passport, although it does come with a cost. However, new passports come with fresh identification numbers, rendering your compromised one ineffective.
If your passport was nearing its expiration date and you had plans to renew it, you don’t need to wait if you can demonstrate that it was compromised. Your security and peace of mind are worth the investment in a new passport.
3. Beware of Fraudulent Emails
After a data breach, scammers often send fake “breach notification” emails to numerous people. Clicking on malicious links or opening documents in these emails can compromise your computer’s security, giving hackers unauthorized access to your system.
In some cases, these scammers may also request additional information, such as your name, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal details. It’s important to stay vigilant and cautious when you receive such emails to protect your online security.
Don’t open any of the documents or links in those emails.
How To Keep Your Passport and Passport Number Safe While Traveling?
Since prevention is the key, you can keep your passport safe. And with that in mind, here are some suggestions to make sure your passport is safe:
1. Multiple Copies
Before embarking on your trip, it’s a good idea to create multiple copies of your passport and store them in different pieces of luggage. To ensure its safety, place the extra copies at the bottom of your bags. Additionally, don’t forget to leave one copy back at home for added security. This way, you’re well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances during your travels.
2. Leave It At The Place You’re Staying At
Once you arrive at your location, you must leave your passport at your hotel or wherever you stay and carry a duplicate of it in your possession. Hotels typically offer a lockable locker with a security code. Use it to keep your passport safe.
3. Passport Cover
A good waterproof passport cover is a must-have if you have wanderlust, especially if you have a beach or other wet place on your bucket list. Water damage can, of course, render the information-based pages unreadable and need the replacement of your passport.
4. Be Aware Of Your Rights
Your original passport is a must when going through airport security. But it’s essential to know when you might need to show both your actual passport and a copy. In many cases, having an international driver’s license, your license itself, or even a copy of your passport can often suffice. This makes it easier to keep your original passport safe and secure during your travels.
What To Do If You Lose Your Passport?
Here are step-by-step instructions for you to follow in the case of a lost or stolen passport.
1. Report The Loss Or Theft To U.S. Authorities
Informing the local police about a stolen passport is a wise step. However, it’s equally important to notify the American authorities about your lost or stolen passport.
Reporting your lost passport serves a dual purpose. It can help in preventing identity theft and deter potential misuse of the passport for illegal activities. So, timely reporting is crucial for your security and peace of mind.
2. Apply For A Passport Replacement (New Passport)
If you misplace your passport while traveling abroad, you must replace it right away to return home. You must replace it with a new passport before your vacation if you are at home but have travel arrangements in the near future.
Understanding Passport Renewal
When it comes time to renew or replace your passport, which typically involves presenting your current passport, having documentation of the loss is essential. Therefore, reporting the loss promptly is of utmost importance.
In situations where you need assistance renewing your passport, you can reach out to the State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services.
Both of these scenarios will require you to appear in person, whether at a passport office or an embassy/consulate if you’re abroad. This might take some time, especially if these offices are a distance apart.
To report a lost or stolen passport, you can use Form DS-64 online. However, when it comes to renewing or getting a replacement, an in-person visit is a must. The specific steps you need to follow to replace your lost passport depend on your location and your travel plans.
If you’re in the United States, you can use your ZIP code to find the nearest passport acceptance facility.
If you’re applying for a replacement while traveling abroad, you’ll need an alternative government-issued ID to confirm your identity, such as a driver’s license. Having copies of your passport can be helpful, but valid government identification is still necessary.
To apply for a new passport, you’ll need to complete Form DS-11 and provide recently taken passport photos. This will ensure that your replacement passport is processed smoothly.
3. Pay up
Getting a new passport comes with a price tag, even if your lost one still had plenty of years left. The regular fees apply, but if you’re in the United States and need it quickly, you can pay an additional fee for expedited service.
The silver lining is that you won’t need to reapply and pay for the Global Entry program if your old passport was linked to it. To update your Global Entry with your new passport number, simply log in.
If you use the widely used and more cost-effective Mobile Passport app, which has a quicker application process, you’ll also need to update it with your new document’s information.
4. Stay Put Until A Replacement Arrives
It’s important to note that for international travel, you generally need a passport. Although there are some exceptions for using a passport card, it’s worth mentioning that your passport card becomes invalid when you report your regular passport as lost or stolen.
If you have a history of frequently misplacing your passport, the State Department might issue you a limited passport that’s only valid for a short duration. This allows you to return home and follow the necessary steps to get a new passport.
Keep in mind that the whole process of renewing your passport will lead to a change in your passport number.
5. Check Your Travel Insurance Benefits
If you have a police report confirming that your passport was stolen (and not just lost), your travel insurance might assist in covering additional costs or airline change fees.
Statistics show that hundreds of thousands of travelers lose their passports every year. The most obvious problem when you lose your passport is that you can’t travel abroad.
On the flip side, if you’re already abroad and your passport is gone, you won’t be able to board a plane to return home. So, if your passport number has disappeared, follow the steps mentioned above to ensure you can quickly obtain a new passport.
Final Words
Fraudsters may use your passport number to commit identity theft, forgery, and POI misuse if it falls into the wrong hands. Even while passport numbers are not strictly private, you shouldn’t disclose them until necessary.
To decrease the risks involved in this case, you can employ cloud storage services, hide unimportant information, or think about not sharing it at all.
FAQs
Can Someone Find My Passport Number Without My Passport?
Besides you, nobody else can find your passport number without your passport. Unless the person who seeks to have your passport number has written it down somewhere, they can’t find it online or anywhere else (given that you don’t leave your passport in open).
Can Passport Numbers Be Shared?
Yes, passport numbers can be shared, but it is advised that you should share your passport number only if necessary. Passports (not exactly just passport number) are usually asked for sharing for identity verification purposes.
Can Passport Numbers Be Used for Identity Theft?
Yes, your passport number can be exploited to steal your identity. However, the scammer will require a little more than just your passport number to steal your identity. Depending on why they want to steal your identity, they may also require photographs and your signature.
Can Passport Numbers Change?
Regardless of whether you are getting your passport reissued or renewed, when you get a new passport, the passport number will be changed and the old passport number will not be valid. There is, however, a thin time window during which the old passport number is valid.
Where Is My Passport Number?
Your passport number is on the first page of your passport near your passport photo and other information. You can also ask for the passport number by calling the embassy once you have verified your identity, in case you are unable to locate it.
Can You Change Your U.S. Passport Number?
Your passport number can’t be changed specifically. Your passport will have a new number if it is reissued or renewed, though. You can put up a passport renewal application up to one year before the current one expires, but not earlier.
Furthermore, you can apply for a new passport renewal process if your personal information changes, it is lost or damaged, or its pages run out.
Your new passport will have a different number when you get it.
Each passport book has a unique number. The new document issued after passport renewal will have a different number than any that you have previously owned.
The old passport number is no longer valid after the renewal or reissual of the passport.
Does Passport Number Change When You Change Your Name?
Yes, when you apply for a passport name change, a new passport is provided and the passport number change process also takes place. As there’s no U.S. passport renewal or amendment anymore, you will experience a passport number change with every new passport.