Laptop Computer Security Alert


From:     Bobby D. Willis

To:       All USGS Employees

Subject:  Laptop Computer Security Alert

It has been brought to my attention that a scam which involves the theft 
of laptop computers is taking place at airports across the country.  The 
following message which was received by a USGS employee is being 
forwarded to heighten your awareness of this problem:

	We've recently learned of a hustle that's being employed at 
        airports across the country to steal laptop computers.  It 
        involves two persons who look for a victim carrying a laptop and 
        approaching a metal detector.  They position themselves in front 
        of the unsuspecting passenger.  They stall until the mark puts 
        the laptop computer on the conveyor belt.  Then the first 
        subject moves through the metal detector easily.  The second 
        subject sets off the detector and begins a slow process of 
        emptying pockets, removing jewelry, etc.  While this is 
        happening, the first subject takes the laptop as soon as it 
        appears on the conveyor belt and moves away quickly.  When the 
        passenger finally gets through the metal detector, the laptop is 
        gone.  The subject that picks it up heads into the gate area and 
        disappears among the crowd.  Sometimes a third subject will take 
        a hand off from the first subject and the computer is out of the 
        restricted area before the mark even knows that it is gone.  
        This is becoming a widely practiced problem and is happening at 
        airports everywhere.  When traveling with a laptop computer, try 
        to avoid lines to enter a metal detector when possible.

	When you can't do that, delay putting your luggage and laptop on 
        the conveyor belt until you are sure that you will be the next 
        person through the metal detector.  As you move through the 
        metal detector, keep your eyes on the conveyor belt and watch 
        for your luggage and laptop to come through, as well as watching 
        for what those in front of you are picking up. 

If you have any questions or would like to report an incident, call the 
Bureau Security Management Office at (703) 648-4467.