In the past, the United States has not had a serious  pickpocket problem as have many other countries.  However, with the advent of this Holiday Season, police are finding pickpocketing on the rise in the US.  What makes this problem so much worse this year? Not only are victims of pickpockets having their cash stolen, but also their identities.

Pickpockets have traditionally had little use for wallet contents other than cash. Now, they are finding that those other items they once threw in the trash - like driver's licenses, social security cards, credit cards - are a gold mine of information.  They have been able to rack up thousands of dollars in credit card charges using the personal information found.  It sure beats the meager amounts of cash most wallets hold!

Pickpockets count on their victims lack of awareness to enable them to steal.  Americans and foreign visitors alike, who are careful overseas, let their guard down once in the US. Unfortunately, since identity theft has made pickpocketing far more lucrative, we can expect a substantial rise in this crime.

Worldwide police tips on how to protect from pickpocketing remain basically the same:

• Women should keep handbags zipped and close to their bodies.
• Men should not carry wallets in their pant's back pockets. An inside coat pocket or front pant's pocket is best.
• Carry only a minimum amount of cash and credit cards.
• Pay full attention to your surroundings. This means not talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod while walking.
• If you are pickpocketed, contact the police and your bank immediately.

ST

The U.S. Departments of Commerce and State jointly issue Country Commercial Guides for U.S. Companies (CCG).  A representative from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce directed the attendees to ERC's 2005 Global Workforce Symposium to the CCGs in reference to questions about security threats to U.S. employees on assignment in foreign locales.

These very detailed guides offer up to date information about security issues, political situations as well as local contact information for Embassies, Consulates and other U.S. officials.

Beyond that, the CCGs are helpful for U.S. businesses that are expanding overseas and cover topics such as investment climate, trade regulations, leading export sectors and business travel.

The reports can be downloaded (per country) from the Market Research Library site of the Department of Commerce.

RH

Continuing reporting from ERC' Global Workforce Symposium in Chicago...

Session: A Global Outlook (Round Table Discussion)

Panel speakers included representatives from U.S. Department of Commerce, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Primacy Relocation and Philips Electronics.

On the topic of security all panelists agree that a critical component of dealing with security threats is having contingency and evacuation plans in place.  Security threats include: terrorist attacks, medical crisis, kidnapping and natural disasters. 

Regardless of the security issue, it is vital to know where the assignees are at the time of the "threat".  This may seem obvious, but with the mobility of international assignees this isn't always easy.  An example of a system to reach out to assignees is the one Philips deployed.  They use a SMS text messaging system to broadcast warnings and helpful information to assignees in the affected region.

RH

Both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the USCIS provide assistance for those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

General information on how to get help from FEMA can be found at a special section on their web site.  This includes links to apply for assistance online.  Alternatively, one can apply for assistance by telephone (800-621-3362).  When calling; be prepared to wait.  It can be very hard to get through!

Note that there are certain "Citizenship" requirements to qualify for disaster relief.  Most visa holders will qualify, though the advise of an immigration attorney might help.  FEMA's Frequently Asked Questions section details the qualifications (scroll down to "Citizenship").  It is also recommended that international transferees contact their consulate/embassy to see if they can get emergency assistance from their home countries.

The USCIS has issued a special bulletin (attached) with information such as: how to replace immigration documents; the status of immigration cased pending in New Orleans; and, how to advice USCIS of the new address of the transferee.

ST

Each year many U.S. government and corporate families are evacuated from overseas posts because of political unrest or other major factors that impact their safety.  This year, there are non-American international transferees who are subject to the same need for local risk awareness and preparedness and who have been gravely affected by the natural disasters occurring in the U.S. along the Gulf of Mexico.

The attached document is based on recommendations by the Department of State for their employees and families in overseas locations.  In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a similar set of recommendations remains valid for the international transferee residing in the U.S.

ST