What the Government Isn't Telling You About Your Passport

Did you know that all United States passports issued since August 2007 contain RFID chips? RFID chips are small microchips that operate on radio frequencies so that they can be scanned without physical contact - if you have to wave your ID card to access the back room at your office, that's an example of RFID chips at work. US Passports are outfitted with these chips now and they carry all of your personal information. Why is this so important to you?

Be careful of pickpockets in crowded urban areas

Identity theft is a very serious and growing threat, and RFID chip scanners are readily available and in use by thieves all over the world. It's very important that you do not leave your passport in someone else's hands for this reason, just to be on the safe side. Some travelers even go so far as to purchase scanner-blocking wallets or cases for their passports than ensure they can't be read unless they are removed from the case. Naturally, the government outfits the chips with layers of protection, but such measures are no guarantee and provide no particularly enhance identity theft protection. Hackers become more sophisticated all the time, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

While traveling, be careful to make sure your passport is not seen or opened by anyone other than legal officials. Never leave your passport as collateral, unless it is required in a medical emergency. Make sure your travel insurance protects you in the event of identity theft, and be alert for anything or anyone that seems suspicious.