Thirteen unlucky holiday scams

You place your laptop on the airport security scanner while waiting for a couple of people to pass through the metal detector. The first passes, but the second person triggers the alarm and laboriously takes out coins, jewellery and a mobile phone from his pockets.

By the time you go through, the first person has long gone, and has your laptop. This scam is most prevalent in countries where you can go in and out of the departure area, such as the United States.