UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 35, Page 7
June 20, 1996
Airport alert for all laptop users

     If you are carrying a laptop on your travels to conferences or
vacations, be aware of the newest scam to steal them, warns the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
     Working in pairs, two persons look for a passenger carrying a
laptop. They position themselves in front of the passenger at the
metal detector. When the laptop is placed on the conveyor belt, the
first person moves through the metal detector with no problem. The
second person sets off the detector and stops to empty pockets and
remove jewelry, while the first person grabs the laptop, heads to the
gate area and quickly disappears. Occasionally, a third person is
involved who moves the laptop out of the restricted area.
     This is a widespread problem, according to the FAA. To thwart
this kind of thievery, try to avoid lines at metal detectors. When
that is not possible, delay putting your luggage and laptop on the
conveyer belt until you are sure you will be the next person through
the detector. As you move through the metal detector, watch the
conveyer belt, look for your luggage and laptop and watch what those
in front of you are picking up.