County Warns Residents of Passport Fraud

With summer in full swing, many are preparing for trips, and the Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs is warning residents of passport fraud.

“United States passports are indisputably the most valuable travel and identity documents,” said Monmouth County Clerk Claire M. French. “Residents need to be aware of the threat of passport fraud and take precautions to ensure that they do not fall victim.”

More than one-third of the United States population has a passport, according to a news release from the county. In 2012, the United States Department of State investigated more than 3,900 new cases of passport and visa fraud. More than 440 arrests were made.

“There are many ways to protect yourself from passport fraud,” said Annmarie Howley, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “One measure you can take before you travel with your passport is to make sure that you leave a copy of your passport with someone you trust.”

How is passport fraud committed?

• Assuming the identity of a deceased person to apply for passports
• Using fake support documents, such as phony birth certificates
• Using stolen and altered passports
• Circumventing the two-parent signature rule for children 

Offenders commit passport crime to:

• Conceal their identity, such as fugitives and terrorists
• Illegally enter the United States or avoid deportation
• Commit financial crimes and bank fraud
• Facilitate other criminal activity such as drug trafficking or alien smuggling 

Ways to prevent passport fraud:

• Make a second copy of your passport and carry it with you when you travel
• Always keep your passport with you while in transit
• Never lay your passport down on a table or counter
• Keep your passport in your hotel safe and not just in your room
• Immediately report a lost or stolen passport