Travel: At the Airport

At the Airport

Never leave your bags unattended, and keep them always within sight. Crowded areas invite criminals, who wait for or create distractions offering theft opportunities.

The latest scam occurs when criminal teams work security checkpoints. It goes like this: You place your laptop or bag on the conveyor belt. One guy is waiting on the other side of the belt, while another one deliberately moves in front of you, blocking your entrance at the screening point. Meanwhile, guy #1 makes off with your goods! If you have cameras or other equipment in your carry-ons that might be damaged by the x-ray, ask for a hand inspection. Portable computers are not affected by x-rays, so they don't need a hand inspection at security, but they are affected by magnetic fields, should you run into one.