As if we don’t have enough to worry about when flying these days. With higher fuel prices, airline staffing shortages, and the usual, inevitable flight delays, Travel insiders are sounding the alarm over a new travel scam that could affect airline passengers who check in their suitcase or luggage at airports.

Reports of stealing baggage tags to file fake lost luggage claims

Scammers are reportedly searching for discarded white airline barcode 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 recent post on Reddit. Scammers are apparently searching airports for discarded travellers 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.”

On Reddit, travellers recommended passengers discard their luggage tags at home or shred them. “Clearly, my strategy of forgetting to remove the tag until it’s time for my next trip is paying off,” one traveller joked. “I always tossed them at home, not because I’m conscious, but I’m kind of forgetful,” another person wrote.

While social media posts about this subject maybe going viral, luggage scams are not new, and several people have already been charged with a crime. Two people were charged in US federal court in 2021 with conspiracy to defraud airlines through false claims for lost baggage. The duo was accused of filing more than 180 missing bag claims.

In another incident, a London man pleaded guilty to making fake lost luggage travel insurance claims worth about £75,000 in 2024, according to the UK’s City of London Police. “Travel insurance is intended to be a reassuring safety net should the worst happen, not a means of personal financial gain,” Detective Constable Vincent Baughan said in a statement at the time, adding that the man “even booked flights that he never took, showing the lengths that he went through to try and avoid detection.”

Bag tag and ransom travel scams

Fake lost luggage scams generally take two primary forms: the Bag Tag Scam (where fraudsters steal information to file fake claims with airlines) and the Phishing/Extortion Scam (where you are targeted while travelling).

The bag tag luggage claim scam, how it works: Travellers often tear off and discard their sticky barcode luggage tags and baggage claim tickets in public trash cans at the airport or hotel. Scammers harvest these tags because the barcodes and printed details reveal sensitive information (your name, itinerary, record locator, and bag tag number).

Fraudsters use this information to submit fake claims to airlines for “lost baggage” or “missing items” trying to cash in on reimbursement pay outs. Why it’s dangerous: Not only does it complicate the ability of real passengers to get legitimate reimbursements, but the exposure of your PII (Personally Identifiable Information) leaves you vulnerable to identity theft.

The ransom or “We have your bag” scam, how it works: Arriving at your hotel, you receive a phone call or text from a stranger claiming to have your suitcase. They often know your name, hotel room number, and the fact that you just travelled. They demand a “delivery fee” or “ransom” to bring your luggage back. The reality: They likely intercepted your white barcode luggage details by snooping on your discarded boarding passes. They usually try this even when your luggage is safely sitting next to you in the room.

How to protect yourself and keep your tags safe

Treat your luggage tags and baggage claim receipts like bank statements. Do not throw them in public airport or hotel bins!

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