Warning on TSA Theft Rings

As we have all heard, there have been several TSA theft rings discovered, and many reports of individual TSA agents stealing from passengers. You are far more likely to have your items stolen by the TSA than to be involved in a terrorist attack. So, rather than worry about terrorism when you travel, concentrate on securing your items while going through the TSA security.

This note is about carry-on items. Be aware of the following. (This may seem over-the-top, but if you read any of the blogs by people who have had items stolen, then you will realize that it is very painful. So, better paranoid than a victim, in this case.)

1. A TSA crook will likely try to steal your valuables when you lose eye-contact with your bag. This usually happens when the bag is going through the X-Ray machine and you are being scanned or patted down.

A. Check your bag prior to leaving the security area.

B. To be safe, consider writing down anything valuable in the carry-on, and then do the check immediately after getting your bag.

**** DO NOT WORRY ABOUT BEING IN THE WAY WHEN YOU CHECK YOUR BAG.

**** TSA crooks take advantage of the fact that people want to get their stuff and get out of there quickly. TAKE YOUR TIME.

C. Be very vigilant if you are in a situation that is hectic, and there are a lot of distractions.

D. Maintain eye-contact as much as possible with your bag.

E. Make eye-contact with the TSA agents so they know you are watching them.

F. Photograph valuable items before bringing them through security so that, if stolen, the police know what to look for.

G. In terms of filing a claim with the TSA, the photographs will help, and the TSA also likes to see receipts and/or credit slips for purchased items that are reported stolen.

H. If you are travelling with someone, try to videotape each other's bags, if possible, as they go in and emerge from X-ray (and are waiting to be picked up).

**** The TSA does recommend that you request a private room security check if you travel with items such as jewelry or large amounts of cash. Obviously, the TSA understands that it has a problem with theft. In this case, you should have a travel companion also along to witness the check. This is explained at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1847.shtm

**** IMPORTANT: Sunglasses appear to be a favorite item of theft by the TSA. Sunglasses are often plopped on top of a bag or in the bowl, and since you aren't going to wear them inside, you forget that they are missing !!

2. It is suggested that theft also occurs by TSA agents who stand at the points where bags emerge from and go into the X-Ray machine.

A. This TSA agent grabs and moves the bags/items to give the impression that he is "helping" the process move more quickly.

B. That motion of grabbing and pushing the bag/item also allows him to steal an item that is on top or in one of the small bowls. If he is working in pairs, then one may open and the other may take. (Open when going into the X-ray, and steal when the bag emerges.)

C. If you see a TSA agent "moving" bags along, assume he is a crook and be vigilant.

3. In another strategy, TSA agents will take advantage of foreigners, the elderly and those who aren't likely to complain, by quickly taking items from the X-Ray machine for "inspection" and then return quickly with items missing. Since the take-and-return is fast, the elderly/foreigner is probably just happy to have the bag back.

It is very likely that theft by the TSA is VASTLY HIGHER than is reported. Foreigners and the elderly likely do not report all the theft that occurs.

Bottom Line: Do not trust the TSA with your items. That is sad to say, but it does appear that a permanent layer of criminality has embedded itself within the TSA.

REPEAT: Have a private room security check if you are travelling with jewelry and/or other very valuable items. Travel with a companion so that that he/she can witness the private room check. There should only be ONE TSA agent in the private room with you and your companion.