Scavengers on the hunt for lucrative opportunities find value in abandoned airline luggage tags.
In recent times, a growing concern for travellers has been the increase in luggage tag scams. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure during your journeys.
Firstly, it's essential to limit the personal details on your luggage tags. Use travel-only email addresses and avoid full home addresses or primary phone numbers. This precaution can help prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands.
Secondly, consider using a small tracker, such as an Apple AirTag or a similar Bluetooth tracker, to keep track of your luggage. By knowing its near real-time location, you can rest assured that your belongings are safe. Remember to place the tracker inside your luggage rather than on the handle so it can't be easily removed.
Before leaving the airport, check the location of your tracker through your phone. During layovers, keep an eye on its location to ensure your luggage hasn't been misplaced.
Another important step is to dispose of your luggage tags yourself instead of leaving them in a hotel wastebasket. This practice can prevent them from being found and misused by others. Similarly, treat printed boarding passes the same way and keep them until you can destroy them securely.
Be alert in baggage claim areas and watch for anyone loitering near the carousel and observing passengers closely. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to airport staff or security immediately.
Hackers are targeting luggage tags to file for reimbursement, and scammers are stealing travelers' information from old bag tags. To avoid becoming a victim, shred or destroy old luggage tags to prevent them from being reused for fraudulent claims.
It's worth noting that while this scam is a documented problem, there are no official warnings or statistics from major airlines, government authorities, or law enforcement indicating this technique has reached epidemic levels or led to confirmed prosecutions.
Airlines' tracking systems can sometimes detect if a claim is fake by reviewing baggage scan logs and RFID tagging. However, it's always better to take preventative measures to safeguard your personal information and luggage.
Lastly, opt for mobile boarding passes instead of printed ones to remove the risk of discarded paper passes falling into the wrong hands. By following these tips, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.
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