It’s a good idea to not flash your official passport in situations where a copy will do. It’s as wise as keeping your real social security card under lock and key until you need it for official purposes.

A copied passport is not a forged document.

One commenter said:
In NZ, it is illegal (you could be fined $10,000 or 3 months imprisonment) for colour copying a passport, bank notes or other offical documents.

Excellent idea! Thanks....