How criminals target you

Tactics that some of the sneakiest criminals use to trick you

Hey there

Another Tuesday, another legal crash course from your favorite internet lawyer. 

Today’s topic? The criminal underworld.

As a lawyer, you see it all. Tricks, traps, and tactics that some of the sneakiest criminals use to swipe your hard-earned cash. Spoiler alert: they’re smarter than you think.

Let’s get into it...

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How criminals target your home

Burglars don’t just pick houses at random. They test, watch, and gather intel to figure out if your home is an easy target. 

Here are six sneaky tactics they use... and what you can do to stay one step ahead.

1. The kidney bean trick

Kidney beans on your doorstep? You might be a target. 

If it’s still there a day or two later, criminals will assume no one’s home. Flyers and stickers left on doors work the same way: if they go untouched, burglars see an opportunity.

How to outsmart them: Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up mail, flyers, or packages when you’re away.

2. The bathroom trick

A stranger shows up - a jogger desperate to use your bathroom, or someone asking for water. Their real goal? To peek inside your home and look for valuables, security gaps, or weak points.

How to outsmart them: Never let strangers inside, no matter how polite or urgent their story sounds.

3. Missing packages

Repeated package theft isn’t just porch piracy. Burglars swipe packages to see what you’re buying. Expensive items signal your home may have more to steal.

How to outsmart them: Use secure delivery options like lockers or signature requirements.

4. The empty gas tank trick

If your car runs out of gas unexpectedly, it might not be bad luck. Some burglars work in teams and drain gas tanks while you’re out to delay your return, buying themselves extra time to break in without interruptions.

How to outsmart them: Park in well-lit, busy areas. Burglars are less likely to tamper with your car in high-visibility spots with lots of activity. 

5. Drones and suspicious vehicles

Tech-savvy burglars use drones to scan for open windows, security blind spots, and easy entry points.

How to outsmart them: Keep an eye on strange vehicles in your area - someone could be inside controlling the drone. If you see a drone hovering around your house, call the cops!

6. Social media oversharing

Unintentional clues on social media can help burglars plan their next move.

  • Your routines: Posting about where you work, when you leave the house, or your shopping habits gives burglars insight into your schedule.

  • Vacation posts: Sharing holiday photos while you’re still away lets burglars know your home is empty and vulnerable.

How to outsmart them: Audit your privacy settings to make sure only trusted people see what you post. Maybe even just wait until you get home to post your hot dog or legs pics.

How to stay safe

Nobody thinks it will happen to them, but a home is invaded every 30 seconds in the US. It’s big business for criminals. 

A few simple steps can make your home far less appealing to burglars:

  • Get a dog: Burglars hate noise. Any barking, big or small, works as a deterrent.

  • Install motion-sensing lights: Bright lights eliminate hiding spots at night.

  • Post alarm signs: Even a fake alarm sign can make burglars second-guess.

At the end of the day, burglars are looking for the easiest target... so don’t make it easy for them. A little awareness goes a long way.

How to stay safe

Knowing how to spot a criminal is step one. Step two? Understanding your rights so no one can take advantage of you.

If you want to feel fully prepared for any tricky situations life throws at you, I’m putting together some easy-to-follow guides on all the basics to keep you one step ahead at all times. To learn more, hop on the waitlist here!

Now, let’s take a look at some more crafty criminal tactics...

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How mechanics take advantage of you

This time, the threat comes with a wrench, a clipboard, and a friendly smile.

Mechanics.

Not every shop is out to scam you, but some have tricks up their sleeves to squeeze more cash out of your next repair. Let’s break down the most common ways they’ll try to rip you off... and how to fight back.

1. Upselling stuff you don’t need

From premium fluids to unnecessary replacements, sneaky mechanics love pushing “upgrades” you don’t actually need.

How to outsmart them: Stick to your car’s maintenance schedule and ask to see the problem before agreeing to anything.

2. Repairs without your permission

Some shops “fix” problems without asking, then stick you with the bill.

How to outsmart them: Get a written estimate before leaving your car. Don’t pay for work you didn’t approve.

3. Dragging out repairs

Simple jobs like brake pad replacements could get stretched out to pad labor costs.

How to outsmart them: Do some research and call around to know how long common repairs take and question any “unexpected delays.”

4. The most common mechanic scam...

In this video, I’ll break down the sneakiest tricks mechanics use to rip you off - and the single most common scam you need to watch out for.

That’s it for today. Until next Tuesday, this case is closed.

Speak soon

Mike

Michael Mandell
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