Theft of Laptop Computers.

• The FAA has released the following travel advisory regarding a new scam being used by thieves to steal laptop computers from passengers at U.S. airports.
  • The scam usually involves two suspects who look for an unsuspecting traveler carrying a laptop computer who is approaching a security checkpoint metal detector. The suspects get in front of the unsuspecting passenger. The suspects stall until the victim places his/her laptop computer on the conveyor belt. The first suspect then moves through the metal detector quickly. The second suspect then sets off the metal detector then begins a slow process of emptying his/her pockets, removing money, jewelry, etc., for inspection. As this is happening, the first suspect takes the laptop computer as soon as it appears on the conveyor belt and moves away quickly.

    When the passenger finally gets through the metal detector, he/she discovers the laptop is gone as are the suspects. The suspect who picked up the computer heads into the gate area and disappears in the crowd. Sometimes there is a third suspect who takes a hand-off from the first suspect and exit the restricted area before the victim even knows that has happened.

• This is becoming a widely practiced problem at airports across the country, but there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of becoming the victim of this scam.
  1. Mark your luggage and other carry-on items (laptop computer, camera, etc.) with your name and driver license number.
     • These markings should applied in a manner which cannot be easily removed (engraving, etc.) and they should be placed where they may not be noticed by the thief, but you can quickly point them out.

  2. Make a list of such property, including a description and serial numbers and/or any identifying marks. Make one copy of this list to leave at home and another that you take with you when you travel. Keep the second list separate from the property itself.

  3. When traveling with a laptop computer, try to avoid lines to enter a metal detector when possible.

  4. When you can't do that, delay putting your luggage on the conveyor belt until you are sure that you will be the next person through the metal detector.

  5. As you move through the metal detector, keep your eyes on the conveyor belt and watch for your luggage and laptop to come through.

  6. Watch what the people in front of you are picking up.

• Report the theft of this property immediately to airport security/police and/or the local police.