Flag jacking is the practice where travelers, often Americans, display or wear the flag of a foreign country—most commonly the Canadian flag—on their clothing or backpacks to disguise their true nationality. The goal is to benefit from the favorable perception or better treatment associated with that country, especially in places where anti-American sentiment may be present. This act is seen as an attempt to avoid negative stereotypes or hostility toward Americans while traveling abroad. The term originated in the late 1990s and gained wider attention after a 2013 article titled "How to Spot Flag- Jacking Frauds Abroad." The practice is controversial, especially in Canada, where it is viewed as cultural appropriation and disrespectful to their national identity. Canadians see the flag as a symbol of pride and identity, not something to be used as a disguise by others. The trend has caused outrage among Canadians, who feel it undermines the goodwill and reputation they have built internationally.