Have you ever thought about the information you put on the luggage brand before traveling overseas?
Although it might seem to be harmless and useful practice to ensure that your bag returns, if it lost, it could actually give you a dangerous risk. Many travelers unknowingly make a critical mistake that could present their personal data – and safety – for a serious risk. Here is why you might want to re -evaluate what you put on the controlled baggage.
To avoid confusion or to facilitate luggage, if it is lost, many travelers will attach a small paper mark to their checked bags with personal data such as their name, age, address and telephone number before traveling international level.
However, this practice comes with a risk – it can detect the owner’s private information and lead to unnecessary stress.
The report from foreign media warns that criminals can use this information regarding the controlled luggage. They could secretly place illegal items next to your trunk and attach your name to it and know your personal information like your address. If they are successful, they can later collect luggage using the information they have obtained to follow you.
One such case was the Brazilian police, who arrested a group of drug smugglers who copied the details of passengers and placed them on their own luggage. Together with other subjects they smuggled drugs by air transport.
In another incident in 2010, a family in Malaysia attended a woman named Lam Tran Dinh of Hong Kong. While in the customs sections she helped an older woman with luggage, but was stopped, searched and found with 1.8 kg of drugs in a bag that she unknowingly carried. Lam was sentenced to death because Malaysia promotes the death penalty for trading drugs including 15 grams or more narcotics.
In conclusion, although it might seem to be a practical solution to the connection of personal data to the controlled luggage, this practice represents significant risks. Exposing private baggage brand data could make you a goal for criminals who can use this information to smuggle illegal objects or even place you in dangerous situations, as seen in previous incidents.
If you want to protect yourself, it is better to keep safe and explore safer alternatives to identify your luggage. Be careful with your luggage and aware of potential threats can help you avoid unnecessary problems when traveling.