More than 300,000 U.S. Passports have been lost or stolen

Small wonder. U.S. Passports sell on the blackmarket for hundreds of dollars to thieves, smugglers and even terrorists. After showing your passport, always return it to your most secure pocket. Before you go, make a photocopy of the inside of the passport showing your picture and passport number. This can help you secure a new one more quickly when you contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Visit this State Department website and print information about how to replace a lost or stolen passport.

"You have just won a free 3-day vacation in Walt Disney World - including your hotel and two free dinners!"  Phone call around dinner time.

Unlucky you if you take this or a similar phone or Internet offer. First you may be assessed a processing fee ($39 for example) charged to your credit card. You could get a much higher fee when the bill arrives. Or it could simply be a thief phishing for credit card numbers.

Or you could be asked to call another number to claim your prize and find an enormous phone bill waiting for you at the end of the month.

Start early. It may take 6-8 weeks or more to get your passport. In emergencies, you can use a passport agency for overnight service but this can be very costly.