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Don't Be Fooled
How does it work?
This scam occurs when you place your computer on the security check conveyor belt. The person in the queue in front of you sets off the detector. They go back through, empty the keys, mobile etc from pockets, and retries. Again they 'beep'. More stuff into the tray and this time they pass through fine. You follow, and go to pick up your bag and your computer. But it's too late. Your computer is long gone. It's been snatched up by the partner of the person who delayed you coming through the checkpoint. So how do you avoid being a victim? • Don't put your computer on the conveyor until the person in front of you has cleared the detector. • Make sure the computer has disappeared into the scanner before you pass through the detector (otherwise someone on the outside can grab it before it goes through). • Don't carry your computer in a clearly definable computer carry case. • If you set off the detector, ask to be checked with the "wand" inside security where you can watch your computer. If you go back out, the computer which has already passed through the scanner can disappear. • At some airports, security will make you take out laptops and turn them on before you go through the checkpoint. If they do this, insist that they carry the computer around and hand it to you after you have cleared security. |
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