Scammers are reportedly stealing baggage tags to file fake “lost luggage” claims and collect compensation.
As if we don't have enough to worry about when flying these days—higher fuel prices, TSA and airline staffing shortages, and the usual, inevitable flight delays—travel insiders are sounding the alarm over a scam that could affect airline passengers who check a bag.
Scammers are reportedly stealing luggage tags and filing fraudulent claims with the information to seek compensation for "lost" luggage when in fact the luggage is fine, according to a post on Reddit. Scammers are apparently taking travelers' white barcode tags, which can often reveal private passenger information, including their name and itinerary confirmation number.
Awareness of the scam went viral after someone who said they were an airline baggage employee posted about witnessing it in practice and encouraged others to be careful when flying.
“We are getting an influx of fraudulent claims being submitted for 'missing items' as these people are observing who is removing their luggage tags in the claim areas and using your information to submit claims for reimbursement,” the Reddit poster said. "From my own personal experience in currently dealing with this, it is causing issues with reimbursing the real people if they submit a legitimate claim. So please be careful and don’t take your tags off at the airport. They can steal enough information from that to use your travel itinerary to get paid."
Travel...
KUALA TERENGGANU: Three Rahmah Sales Programme (PJRM) operators in Terengganu have been suspended after being found guilty of violating operational guidelines, including submitting false subsidy c...