Luggage tag scam grows as discarded tags fuel fraudulent claims

An emerging security concern in travel tech centers on discarded luggage tags that scammers are using to file false lost-luggage claims, a trend cited by baggage-claims staff and amplified by a Reddit thread that has drawn thousands of comments. In the accounts, a Delta Air Lines baggage-claims manager described a noticeable uptick in fraudulent claims that appear to rely on the information printed on old tags. The discussion on Reddit, which many readers have engaged with, paints a picture of criminals watching travelers peel off tags at the carousel and then exploiting the captured data to seek reimbursement for bags that never arrived or were misrouted. Industry observers say the scam is real enough to prompt caution, but they stress that it has not yet reached the scale of other travel frauds and that airlines continue to rely on routine checks and baggage-tracking systems to flag dubious claims.

Most luggage tags contain only a sketch of personal data—name, flight number and a baggage identification code—yet scammers have shown they can combine that information with a claim form to impersonate legitimate travelers. Some travelers and hotel staff have reported seeing similar fraud schemes involving tags found in guest rooms or hotel trash. In public areas, travelers say, red flags include strangers lingering near carousels or studying passengers as they discard labels. Some airports in other countries have installed secure disposal bins for tags and boarding passes to mitigate the risk. The post cautions that travelers should wait to remove tags until they are home or in a private space rather than in a public area, and to avoid discarding them in hotel wastebaskets. It also notes that printed boarding passes can be exploited in the same way, and it urges travelers to consider digital options when possible.

Officials and security experts say the risk is real but not yet widespread. While there is growing anecdotal evidence from frontline staff about duplicate claims linked to discarded tags, there are no official warnings or statistics from major airlines or government authorities indicating an epidemic level or prosecutions. Airlines can sometimes verify claims by cross-referencing baggage scan logs and RFID tagging data, but that process can be time consuming and imperfect if data is not properly synchronized. The broader takeaway for travelers is to treat baggage tags as sensitive data rather than as a throwaway piece of paper.

To reduce exposure, industry guidance emphasizes practical steps that travelers can take on or before a trip. For example, remove baggage tags only after you have left the airport and are in a private location. Shred or destroy old tags so that no printed details can be recovered. If you stay in a hotel, dispose of tags yourself rather than leaving them in rooms or hotel trash bins. Treat printed boarding passes the same way as luggage tags, safeguarding them until you can dispose of them securely. Stay alert in baggage-claim areas and be mindful of people who linger or appear to shadow travelers. When possible, opt for digital boarding passes to avoid paper copies that could fall into the wrong hands. Consider limiting the amount of personal information on luggage tags by using a travel-focused email address, a P.O. box or work address, and avoiding your home street address or primary phone number. If you want extra assurance, track your bag with a Bluetooth tracker such as an Apple AirTag and check its location before you leave the airport and during layovers. While trackers don’t prevent someone from using an old tag for a fraudulent claim, they can provide proof of where your bag actually is and help resolve disputes more quickly.

Travel-security experts also advise digital-first approaches where practical. Mobile boarding passes reduce the risk created by discarded paper receipts, and travelers should review airline reminders on how to responsibly dispose of sensitive documents after a trip. The broader context for travelers is that the information on a luggage tag—though usually limited—can be combined with formal claim forms and standard data-entry fields to reconstruct a travelers’ itinerary. Because the risk hinges on the combination of data and opportunity, smarter handling of everyday travel documents can cut down potential exposure. For those who want deeper guidance, cybersecurity writers emphasize that travelers can use alias emails for travel and avoid sharing home contact details publicly. Companies such as Cyberguy.com have been cited in consumer guides as places to find additional tips, templates and reviews of private and secure email providers.

Travel-security observers note that the lag between discovery and formal action means the burden remains on travelers for now. Airlines and airports may respond with better disposal options, stricter data handling, and improved validation workflows, but such safeguards take time to implement. In the meantime, the advice is practical and straightforward: treat a luggage tag as a data point rather than a simple label, destroy old tags securely, and use digital tools to minimize exposure. The online discussion surrounding the scam continues to evolve as more travelers share experiences about filing lost-baggage claims and the steps they took to protect themselves.