Travelers are being warned about a potential fraud scheme linked to discarded baggage tags after a Reddit user with a claimed airline background raised alarms about the practice. The post suggested that criminals might be collecting discarded tags to file false reimbursement claims for ‘missing items’—a situation that could cause legitimate claimants to face delays in receiving compensation.
The warning came from a Reddit post in the ‘r/delta’ forum, where the user claimed to be a ‘baggage claims manager’ and urged travelers not to discard their tags at home. According to the post, these discarded tags contain valuable information that could be used to submit fraudulent claims. This practice could lead to legitimate claims being held up, as the fraudsters might be using the same data to file reimbursement requests.
While the post sparked interest and debate on the Reddit thread, several commenters questioned the plausibility of the scheme. Some users mentioned their own strategies for managing tags, such as keeping them on until their next trip, while others suggested shredding the tags as soon as they reached their destination. A few users even shared examples of airports securing tag disposal bins, potentially offering a solution to the problem.
However, the warnings have not gone unchallenged. Gary Leff, a travel industry expert known for his insights on travel tips and trends, expressed skepticism about the prevalence of such a scam. He pointed out that the data on tags is limited—typically including a last name, flight number, and a specific baggage tag number. The lack of detailed information, such as a street address or ticket number, makes the tags less valuable for fraud.
Leff explained that while the warning does raise valid concerns, it’s unlikely that this scheme will become a widespread issue. He emphasized that the baggage tracking system logs each scan from check-in to baggage handling, which means that filing a claim of missing baggage when the item was actually delivered would be flagged, especially at scale. Leff also mentioned that the more common issue involves passengers claiming lost items when the baggage was never lost in the first place.
Despite the debate over the actual threat of such a scam, the concern highlights the growing awareness of how digital information can be exploited. As travelers continue to navigate the complexities of air travel, the advice to safeguard digital records like baggage tags and boarding passes becomes increasingly relevant. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of digital security in everyday travel practices.