If You Hear This Noise, You Might Be in Danger

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Transcript
00:00:00 Wait, can you hear that?
00:00:04 Sounds like someone's knocking on your door.
00:00:06 And you aren't expecting anyone.
00:00:08 Well, maybe that's just your neighbor come to ask for some garden tools again.
00:00:12 You get up to go downstairs, but then you hear the noise of metal scratching in the
00:00:17 keyhole.
00:00:18 You stop, frozen in fear.
00:00:21 Seconds later, you can hear the door clicking.
00:00:23 The problem is that you live alone.
00:00:25 First, let's make sure there really is someone in the house, but you should be very quiet
00:00:31 in case there's a burglar.
00:00:33 Look outside the house to search for traces.
00:00:36 Can you see anything suspicious?
00:00:38 Is there an unknown vehicle close to your house?
00:00:41 Maybe you can spot some footsteps or a broken window.
00:00:44 Was the fence gate open?
00:00:46 There might also be hints inside the house, but be careful if you're looking for them.
00:00:51 Make sure you can't be seen.
00:00:53 Maybe there's some lights off that are usually on, or maybe there's some mud on the floor
00:00:57 that wasn't there before.
00:01:00 Listen carefully to the sounds.
00:01:02 Maybe you can hear some footsteps or movement, or the creak of a door.
00:01:06 Wait, did you hear it?
00:01:09 Looks like someone bumped into your tea table.
00:01:11 Ok, it looks like there really is someone in your house.
00:01:15 So your next step is to try to get out of the house to be safe.
00:01:19 If it's possible, leave altogether.
00:01:21 Both the front door or the back door, or even a window works.
00:01:25 If it's a bit risky, you might want to try and escape.
00:01:29 An injury is nothing compared with your life.
00:01:32 If escaping is not an option, then lock yourself somewhere.
00:01:37 Bedrooms are usually the first rooms burglars check because that's where most people keep
00:01:41 their valuables.
00:01:42 So it's better to stay away from them.
00:01:44 Still, if there's no other way, bedrooms better than nothing.
00:01:48 Lock it and pretend you're asleep.
00:01:50 But if you can, then better hide somewhere else.
00:01:54 The bathroom is a great choice because it's usually not of interest to burglars.
00:01:59 Now stay quiet.
00:02:01 The burglar probably won't spend more than 10 minutes in your house.
00:02:04 If the intruder doesn't find you're inside, you'll avoid confrontation.
00:02:09 The most important thing is you staying safe.
00:02:12 So don't move or make any noise.
00:02:14 As soon as you're safe and hidden, call the police immediately.
00:02:18 Remember, when calling them, always give your location first.
00:02:22 In case something happens and you're not able to finish your conversation, at least
00:02:26 they'll know where to go.
00:02:29 If you can do it without being noticed, try to study the intruder as carefully as you
00:02:33 can.
00:02:34 Make sure to remember their height, body type, the way of walking, hair color, race, gender,
00:02:40 age, and any other specific details you might notice.
00:02:44 Anything you can spot will be helpful.
00:02:47 If you can look outside and see the vehicle, remember its brand, color, and the license
00:02:51 plate number.
00:02:53 Then wait again.
00:02:55 Just freeze and never leave the place you've chosen until the burglar leaves or the authorities
00:03:00 arrive and help you out.
00:03:02 But burglars don't go to any random house.
00:03:05 They don't want to be noticed, so they choose their target very carefully.
00:03:10 And you can make it so they don't pick yours.
00:03:13 Make your house an open space.
00:03:15 The greenery makes the house harder to observe, so burglars pick those houses that have the
00:03:20 most of it.
00:03:21 Make sure to trim all the shrubbery that hides windows and doors.
00:03:25 Turn on the lights as soon as it's dark every day of the year.
00:03:29 Illuminate everything – the porches, the driveway, the yard, both the front and the
00:03:34 backyard.
00:03:35 First, it makes the surroundings more visible, and burglars will prefer to stay away.
00:03:39 Second, it makes an impression that there's someone home, and they don't want anyone
00:03:44 to be there when they break in.
00:03:46 Lock all the doors and windows.
00:03:49 People forget to close their bathroom window, and burglars know it very well.
00:03:53 There should never be a way in.
00:03:55 Don't leave any secret way to enter the house in case you forget your keys.
00:04:00 If you know about such a way, so do burglars.
00:04:04 If you have any trees too close to your house, cut the branches so it's not possible to
00:04:08 climb it and get into any of the windows.
00:04:11 Keep all of your tools and store ladders in a locked garage.
00:04:15 Don't ever keep them lying around when you don't use them, because they can all be
00:04:19 used to break into your house.
00:04:21 Don't have any spare keys hidden in random places outside the house.
00:04:25 Better give one to a neighbor you trust.
00:04:28 When you move into a new house or apartment, change the locks if possible.
00:04:33 Make sure that your doors look modern and reliable.
00:04:36 Old and bad doors that are easy to crack attract burglars.
00:04:40 Don't throw away copies of documents or unnecessary checks just like that.
00:04:46 Burglars can check your trash to learn more about you.
00:04:49 So shred documents into itty-bitty pieces before you throw them away.
00:04:53 Don't leave boxes from a new plasma TV, expensive phone, laptop, or gold watch near
00:04:59 your house.
00:05:00 Don't show anybody that you're well-off.
00:05:03 Make sure that the house number is clearly displayed and can be easily noticed.
00:05:07 This way, the authorities or any other help will be able to find your house way faster.
00:05:13 Even if you have security cameras installed, they don't guarantee that your house won't
00:05:17 become a target.
00:05:19 The cameras are helpful when finding the robber after everything's happened, but they don't
00:05:23 prevent any action.
00:05:25 Many robberies happen when people are away for some holiday.
00:05:29 So the burglars shouldn't find out you're not going to be home for a long time.
00:05:33 Whenever you leave, make it look like you're actually home.
00:05:37 Tell your neighbors you're leaving.
00:05:38 Ask them to keep an eye out on your house and check it from time to time.
00:05:43 To check if there's someone currently living in the house, burglars often check the mail.
00:05:47 If the mailbox is full, it means there's no one living there right now.
00:05:52 Ask your neighbor to collect the mail for you and clean the porch from ads and newspapers.
00:05:57 Burglars may also leave marks on your house.
00:06:00 For example, they can put a thin strip cut from a plastic bottle into the doorway.
00:06:05 If it stays on the door for one or two days, this tells the burglar that there is no one
00:06:10 at home.
00:06:11 So ask your neighbor to check these things out too.
00:06:14 Ask them to park their car occasionally in front of your house for a while.
00:06:18 This will give an impression that you have visitors.
00:06:20 Still, if the house stands quiet for days, it's obvious there's no one living there
00:06:25 currently.
00:06:27 You can set up a timer for lights, radio, or TV so it works a couple of hours a day.
00:06:33 If you're leaving for a long time, make arrangements so that your grass is cut and
00:06:37 watered or the snow in front of your house is shoveled.
00:06:40 It's a good idea not to post photos from your vacation while you're there.
00:06:45 Burglars use social media, and they do their research.
00:06:48 It's dangerous even if you have a private account because burglars can collaborate with
00:06:53 tech-savvy criminals.
00:06:55 They would break into the accounts of rich people, find out when they were going on vacation,
00:06:59 and inform the burglars about it.
00:07:02 Before someone breaks into your house, they watch it for a while.
00:07:06 They want to know when you're home and when you're not.
00:07:09 If you start getting many random calls, it might be a sign that they check what time
00:07:14 of the day you're out.
00:07:16 If the light sensors start malfunctioning, check immediately if everything's alright.
00:07:21 This doesn't always mean there are problems with electricity.
00:07:24 Burglars may cut the wiring.
00:07:26 Watch out for doors.
00:07:28 If you notice scratches on the lock or it's becoming harder for you to open the door with
00:07:32 your key, it might mean that someone tried to break into your house.
00:07:37 Change the locks immediately.
00:07:39 A break-in starts with a knock on the door.
00:07:41 If you happen to be home at the time, it's important to learn how to answer it to scare
00:07:45 them away.
00:07:47 Always pretend like you're not home alone.
00:07:49 You can call out something like, "Can anyone answer the door, please?"
00:07:53 Teach your kids that they should never answer the door or open it to anyone unsupervised.
00:08:04 You wake up in the middle of the night from a noise coming from downstairs.
00:08:08 First thing you need to do is check what the noise is.
00:08:11 If you suspect someone's in your house, do this quickly and quietly.
00:08:16 It might just be a mouse that knocked something over.
00:08:18 Still, if your suspicions are confirmed and you see someone in your dining hall, look
00:08:23 for a way out immediately.
00:08:25 Use the fire escape ladder if you have one.
00:08:28 Otherwise, a window might do the trick.
00:08:30 Still, chances are you'll have to stay put.
00:08:33 Grab the phone and call the authorities.
00:08:35 Give them your address and explain the situation as briefly as you can.
00:08:40 And in a heartbeat, they'll dispatch a unit to your house.
00:08:43 Reaching your street, they can't find your house number anywhere.
00:08:46 They get there eventually, but only after having followed the numbers from other houses
00:08:50 in the neighborhood.
00:08:51 By the time the authorities arrive, the burglars already escaped.
00:08:56 That's because your house number can barely be seen.
00:08:59 It's so tiny.
00:09:00 Your mailbox's one is barely noticeable, too.
00:09:03 Get a new and shiny plaque.
00:09:05 Make sure the number's big and visible.
00:09:08 This will not only help your guests find your house sooner, but you'll also avoid the authorities
00:09:13 missing your house next time.
00:09:15 While you're at it, make sure the mailbox number's visible, too.
00:09:19 Another good way to protect your house is by adding a fence to it if you don't already
00:09:23 have one.
00:09:24 Make sure it's hard to get through.
00:09:26 Use chain link or even metal fencing.
00:09:29 Dig it into concrete as well so burglars can't lift it.
00:09:32 If you're okay with a rough look, you can even try out barbed wire fencing.
00:09:37 Next up, add lighting to your yard because if your yard's all dark, it'll be a perfect
00:09:42 target for unwanted visitors.
00:09:44 Keep a few lamps outside that you can turn on and off.
00:09:47 A well-lit yard will let you see what's up outside, and your neighbors, too.
00:09:52 If they spot someone, they'll call you and the authorities if need be.
00:09:56 A spotlight camera is an extra.
00:09:59 It usually stays off during daytime and works with a motion detector.
00:10:03 It's really bright and lights up when it senses any movement.
00:10:07 You can even get one that also starts recording at once.
00:10:10 So not only will you frighten burglars, but we'll also have video proof in case anything
00:10:15 does happen.
00:10:16 Another thing is a ring camera.
00:10:19 Whenever someone rings the door, you can pick it up without even being home.
00:10:23 Since your phone's connected to the doorbell, you only need to answer the call wherever
00:10:27 you are.
00:10:28 If it's someone you don't know and you're smelling something fishy, you can pretend
00:10:32 to be home and let them know you're not interested.
00:10:35 Dense shrubs in your yard will give the burglar a place to hide, and you might not even notice
00:10:40 there's someone trespassing.
00:10:42 Keep your shrubbery closely trimmed.
00:10:44 It'll not only keep you safe, but also add a bit more shine to your yard.
00:10:49 While you're out on vacation, avoid posting your whereabouts on social media.
00:10:53 Say someone's had your house on their radar for a while now.
00:10:57 You being gone is the perfect opportunity for them to strike.
00:11:01 Leave posting the nice pictures you took for when you get back home, and you can keep an
00:11:05 eye on things.
00:11:06 Oh, and don't show people what you do day to day either.
00:11:10 It'll be easy for someone to keep track of your daily schedule and plan an assault for
00:11:14 when you're out grocery shopping, for example.
00:11:17 This one's obvious, but always lock your home when you leave, even if you think you live
00:11:22 in a safe neighborhood.
00:11:23 And if you've just moved into a new house, change your locks, too.
00:11:27 It works for apartments as well, or even if you're just renting a room.
00:11:31 You can never be too safe.
00:11:34 Always keep the appearance that someone's inside the house, even when it's empty.
00:11:38 The first way to do it is leave your television on, or even better, buy a TV simulator.
00:11:45 This way, you can program it to turn on and off as you please.
00:11:48 I mean, it'd be weird if it was constantly on.
00:11:52 It'll save you a couple of bucks as well, because simulators consume less than the real
00:11:56 thing.
00:11:57 Get a plug-in alarm clock as well, and connect a lamp to it.
00:12:01 Set timers for it to go off, let's say dinner time and for a while at night.
00:12:06 You can also get an extra alarm clock and connect a radio to it.
00:12:10 If people think you're blasting some tunes, they surely won't try to do anything.
00:12:14 Don't forget any valuable items outside, things like your grill, bikes, and any machinery
00:12:19 you might have.
00:12:21 Store them inside your garage instead, and lock it tight.
00:12:25 Security cameras outside your home will let you keep an eye on things, even while you're
00:12:28 at work.
00:12:29 This one's particularly good if you're extra worried someone's going to break in.
00:12:34 Consider reinforcing your door, even if it's relatively new.
00:12:38 Instead of breaking in, they might try and completely knock down the door if they're
00:12:41 desperate to get in.
00:12:42 Get a sturdier one that won't come down easily.
00:12:46 This goes for windows too.
00:12:47 It's worth investing in a type of glass that won't break when a rock hits it.
00:12:52 Or use security film.
00:12:54 It's a strong, transparent plastic you put on your windows to strengthen them.
00:12:58 Even if your windows break, this film will hold the shards of glass in place.
00:13:03 This will delay the entry by quite a bit, so they might even quit the whole thing.
00:13:08 How much mail you've got also lets people know if you're home or not.
00:13:11 If there's a huge pile of it, it's clear you haven't checked it for at least a couple of
00:13:15 days.
00:13:16 So even if your house wasn't a target, it might be now.
00:13:19 Get familiar with your neighbors, invite them over for a cup of tea, and talk about your
00:13:23 concerns.
00:13:24 You'll watch their back, and they'll watch yours.
00:13:27 And if anyone suspicious comes around, they'll let you know.
00:13:31 You can even ask for a favor or two while you're on vacation.
00:13:34 Ask them to park one of their cars in your driveway to pretend someone's at home.
00:13:38 While you're at it, give them the key to your mailbox, and ask them to take your letters
00:13:42 for you.
00:13:43 You'll repay them when they go on vacation.
00:13:46 Take a walk around your house, and put yourself in the mind of a burglar.
00:13:49 What would you do to get in?
00:13:51 There's a tree there that you can climb to reach the second floor.
00:13:55 Or maybe it's just too easy to climb the pile of junk that you've got there.
00:13:59 It's worth getting rid of both to keep the top floors hard to reach, and no one will
00:14:03 be tempted to break the top windows and try to get in like that.
00:14:07 If you've got a mail slot in your front door, be aware of mailbox phishing.
00:14:12 It's where a burglar puts a pole straight through the mail slot and fishes for keys,
00:14:16 or maybe even tries to unlock the door.
00:14:19 Get a mailbox cage.
00:14:21 This way, if they try to do this, they won't get far.
00:14:24 Valuables inside the house are another thing.
00:14:27 Get them out of sight as much as you can.
00:14:30 The safest thing you can do is get a safe, but otherwise, you can get decoy items just
00:14:35 in case burglars do get in your house.
00:14:38 Keep a few fake gold bracelets next to your bedside table.
00:14:41 They'll think they've scored big time when, in fact, they're going home empty-handed.
00:14:46 If you've always wanted a pet, now's the time to get a dog.
00:14:51 Make sure it has a cozy place to sleep outside, and as a thank you, it's going to protect
00:14:56 your house.
00:14:57 As soon as it hears someone step foot in the yard, it'll warn you by barking.
00:15:01 Not only that, but it'll wake up the entire neighborhood, too, which will bring even more
00:15:06 attention to what's happening.
00:15:08 Don't ever put up a calendar, or all of this will be for nothing.
00:15:12 Say, a burglar comes out the back and just looks through the window.
00:15:16 If they spot a calendar with the exact dates you're going to be away, none of these tricks
00:15:20 will work because they'll know better than to fall for them.
00:15:24 And as a last resort, you can get a panic button and keep it next to you when you sleep.
00:15:29 You can program it to call the authorities with the press of a button.
00:15:33 With that, you'll have alerted them that your house is being invaded.
00:15:37 Did you know that every 15 seconds, a home burglary occurs in the United States?
00:15:43 This means that approximately 4,800 burglaries happen every day, and the police can only
00:15:49 solve 13% of all the reported cases.
00:15:52 So yeah, home security is nothing to be joked about, and so I won't.
00:15:57 But still, don't worry.
00:15:59 It's not like you need to turn your house into a fortress to feel safe.
00:16:02 There are a great number of things you can do to keep the bad people out of your house
00:16:07 and keep your valuables safe without breaking the bank.
00:16:12 First things first, homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into
00:16:18 and burglarized.
00:16:19 So you should definitely consider setting up one.
00:16:23 However, there are many different types of security systems out there.
00:16:26 That's why it can get overwhelming to choose the best one for your specific needs, desired
00:16:31 level of protection, and budget.
00:16:34 Yet again, it all comes down to two options – professional installations and DIY installations.
00:16:41 Let's go through both of them together.
00:16:43 Professional installed systems require professional monitoring and usually have contracts that
00:16:48 are likely long-term.
00:16:50 Professional systems come with fees.
00:16:52 However, companies usually require lower upfront equipment costs since they will spread the
00:16:58 costs throughout the course of your contract.
00:17:00 Once you decide on a professional installation, the company will first schedule an appointment
00:17:05 with one of their experienced technicians who can conduct a security assessment and
00:17:10 explain all your options to you.
00:17:12 And as long as your contract is valid, you can report any problems you have with the
00:17:17 system to them so they can make sure the equipment works correctly.
00:17:21 All in all, you should pick professionally installed security systems if you want to
00:17:25 put up your feet and relax instead of watching long hours of tutorial videos or reading pages
00:17:31 of manuals.
00:17:33 Still, professionally installed security systems may not work for you, especially if you're
00:17:38 a renter due to the contract commitment conditions.
00:17:41 Or maybe you're not a renter, but you simply have budget limitations.
00:17:45 That's where DIY installations come in handy.
00:17:49 The greatest thing about DIY systems is that while the average monitoring price is around
00:17:54 $50 per month on professionally installed systems, it is around $28 a month on DIY ones.
00:18:01 Plus, there are no installation fees with DIY systems either.
00:18:05 Yet again, you should expect higher upfront equipment costs if you're going to pick
00:18:09 this option.
00:18:10 And there's also the fact that DIY home security systems come with the risks of improper
00:18:15 equipment placement and missing security vulnerabilities a pro would catch.
00:18:20 At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to do before choosing a system
00:18:25 is evaluate the needs of your neighborhood as well as your house.
00:18:31 Did you know that 34% of burglars simply use the front door when breaking into a home?
00:18:36 That means if your door is not strong and secure enough, you're basically inviting
00:18:41 the burglars in.
00:18:42 So setting up security systems is not enough.
00:18:46 You need to inspect all your exterior doors too.
00:18:49 Make sure the door frames are strong and the hinges are protected.
00:18:53 You can always use door reinforcement kits to add extra protection.
00:18:57 If your door has a mail slot, don't forget to check if it's possible for someone to
00:19:01 reach through it to unlock the door.
00:19:04 When moving into a house or an apartment that was previously occupied by someone else, change
00:19:09 the door locks.
00:19:11 This is the easiest way to ensure that no stranger can just walk into your house using
00:19:16 the keys.
00:19:17 One other way to boost security for your door is to use wireless doorbell cameras.
00:19:23 This one from Amazon is extremely user-friendly.
00:19:26 It's 100% wireless, it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last 1-2 months, so you won't
00:19:32 have to charge those too often.
00:19:34 You can track the battery situation from the phone app.
00:19:37 It also has motion detection technology and super night vision, and you don't need to
00:19:42 worry about the weather conditions because it's also waterproof.
00:19:46 By the way, don't forget about the sliding glass doors.
00:19:49 You can use a window bar or dowel in the track to keep them from being forced open.
00:19:53 Or you can add a door sensor or glass break sensor to get alerted if and when someone
00:19:58 is tampering with them.
00:20:01 We're getting into the very basics of home security now.
00:20:05 The percentage of burglars entering a home through a window is as high as 23%.
00:20:10 The main reason for that is because, most of the time, people forget to lock their windows.
00:20:16 Yet again, burglars can always break the glass.
00:20:19 If you don't want that to happen, you can try reinforcing the glass with window security
00:20:23 film, adding window bars, or installing window sensors.
00:20:27 If none of that is possible, you can also plant prickly bushes under the first floor
00:20:32 windows to discourage burglars from choosing your house to break in.
00:20:38 What's the difference between an actor and a burglar?
00:20:41 Burglars don't like to be in the spotlight.
00:20:44 That's why having outdoor lighting is to your advantage.
00:20:47 Lights should be placed around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the
00:20:51 garage.
00:20:53 To make your outdoor security lights more effective, you can use motion-activated ones.
00:20:58 Take this one for example – it's solar-powered, so it'll help you save energy.
00:21:03 But that doesn't mean you won't have any light once the clouds cover the sky.
00:21:07 It's able to run 4-5 nights on rainy days.
00:21:11 Also, don't allow the burglars to play hide-and-seek.
00:21:16 While trees and shrubs may make your home look more beautiful, they also provide a convenient
00:21:21 hiding spot for burglars.
00:21:24 That's why you should trim down trees and plants, at least the ones close to your house
00:21:28 that could be used for cover.
00:21:30 Choose smaller flowers and bushes instead, so that burglars don't have a hiding spot
00:21:34 to wait for you to leave your home.
00:21:37 The same thing goes for any lock gates, sheds, or other outdoor buildings you have.
00:21:42 Make sure those places are locked.
00:21:44 Burglars can use stools and ladders to climb in from the windows too, so don't tempt
00:21:48 them by leaving one outside.
00:21:52 This one goes without saying, but I will anyway.
00:21:55 Lock the garage!
00:21:57 Even if there's no access to your home through there, it's likely that you still have plenty
00:22:01 of valuable stuff stored in there that burglars might be interested in.
00:22:06 It's also wise to store your garage door opener inside your house rather than leave
00:22:11 it in your car.
00:22:12 This way, you'll be preventing burglars from easily taking it.
00:22:16 If you use a security code to open your garage, then keep it confidential and avoid entering
00:22:21 it in front of other people, including neighbors.
00:22:24 Some neighbors… well, you just don't know.
00:22:27 Installing a driveway alarm will also help secure the garage.
00:22:33 These days, not just burglars but porch pirates, aka package thieves, are a big problem too.
00:22:39 Last year, almost 1 in 7 Americans fell victim to them.
00:22:43 This is where security cameras prove to be useful.
00:22:46 First of all, they work as a deterrent, and secondly, if someone were to really steal
00:22:51 your package, you'd be able to identify them thanks to the security footage.
00:22:56 If you can't spare some money to get a good security camera for the time being, you can
00:23:00 opt for a fake one.
00:23:01 They're a lot cheaper, and they will help make your home look more secure than it actually
00:23:06 is.
00:23:07 This one is worth considering if you're searching the market.
00:23:10 It contains a flashing light, which makes it look as realistic as it gets.
00:23:16 Last but not least, having a safe wouldn't hurt.
00:23:19 And don't worry, it doesn't have to be one of those uncrackable giant titanium ones
00:23:23 in the heist movies, like Ocean's 23.
00:23:27 Burglars may still be able to break into your house despite all the precautions.
00:23:31 So you still need to make sure your valuables are protected at all times.
00:23:36 You can hide all things important from your expensive jewelry to your vital documents
00:23:40 in there just to be extra safe.
00:23:43 If you're going to get yourself one, make sure it is fire-resistant, waterproof, and
00:23:48 heavy enough that a thief can't pick it up and walk away with it.
00:23:52 As they say, better safe than sorry!
00:23:57 You park your car in a dark alley, lock it, and leave it for just a couple of minutes
00:24:02 to go grab a coffee.
00:24:04 When you come back, your beloved vehicle is no longer there.
00:24:07 A siren sounds.
00:24:09 Oh wait, that was the alarm!
00:24:12 Phew!
00:24:13 Luckily, that was all just a dream, and you can help it to never come true!
00:24:19 First of all, you can install a steering wheel lock in your car.
00:24:23 It can either be a long metal rod stretched over the steering wheel or a chain lock connected
00:24:28 to the seatbelt buckle.
00:24:30 Both options are good to slow down the bad guys that might break into your vehicle.
00:24:35 But don't make it 100% thief-proof.
00:24:38 The thieves can just cut the steering wheel or even the lock, so you need to add some
00:24:42 extra layers of protection to be sure.
00:24:46 Criminals like to use gadgets that catch signals and help them steal cars without a key.
00:24:51 For example, if the car is parked in a garage of a private house or under the windows of
00:24:57 a multi-story building, the keys are accessible through the radio device.
00:25:03 Thieves can easily intercept the signal, and the owners of the car won't notice anything.
00:25:08 To protect your keys from relay attacks when they're stored at home, use something metallic.
00:25:14 You can simply wrap the keys in foil to block the radio signals or keep them in a safe metal
00:25:19 box.
00:25:22 Park in areas that are well-lit and have security cameras.
00:25:26 Building entrances and parking lots are your best choice.
00:25:29 An isolated garage isn't always the best idea because it could put you personally at
00:25:34 risk.
00:25:35 So if you do park in one of those, stay close to the attendant or where security cameras
00:25:40 can see you.
00:25:43 Keep the wheels turned towards the curb whenever you park.
00:25:46 It will make it way harder for thieves to try to tow the auto with a tow truck.
00:25:51 To steal a car, a criminal will have to make some extra maneuvers.
00:25:55 It takes time and effort and can demotivate the bad guys.
00:26:00 In many cases, it's not your car the bad guys are after.
00:26:04 It's that shiny new laptop you dropped in the front seat or your designer purse that
00:26:09 looks like it's stuffed with valuables.
00:26:12 Things like that are hard to resist and often lead to a break-in.
00:26:15 So take an extra moment to hide your belongings in the trunk, and your vehicle will be less
00:26:21 tempting for criminals.
00:26:23 Don't just jump out of the car, even if it's literally for a moment to buy something.
00:26:28 If you need to get out, always stop the engine first, close the windows, and lock the doors.
00:26:37 Storing your vehicle registration in the car is a good way to make the lives of thieves
00:26:41 easier.
00:26:42 They can present it to police officers in case they get pulled over.
00:26:46 Your insurance information and VIN can help them get new keys to unlock the car no problem.
00:26:53 If you aren't the only person using the car, find some secret place to hide the registration
00:26:57 and only tell the people you trust 100% about it.
00:27:02 You can also take a photo of your title registration and insurance information and store them on
00:27:07 your smartphone.
00:27:08 Another option is to make copies of those important docs and keep them with you.
00:27:14 Mark your windshields, windows, and mirrors with a VIN number, which is the identification
00:27:19 number of the vehicle.
00:27:21 This service won't cost you a lot but will demotivate the bad guys.
00:27:25 They'll have to spend money to change the marked glass, and they will think twice if
00:27:29 they want to invest in your vehicle.
00:27:33 You can also play spy and leave marks on different parts of the car with an invisible pen or
00:27:38 cover it in micro dots with your ID details.
00:27:42 This won't stop thieves but it will make it easier to track the vehicle if it gets
00:27:47 stolen.
00:27:49 If you know that you'll have to leave the car somewhere new and you don't feel like
00:27:52 it's a safe place, hide an old switched on phone or tablet in it.
00:27:57 Make sure you have a way to track it.
00:27:59 Then, the Find My Phone feature will help you locate the phone and the car in a matter
00:28:04 of seconds.
00:28:05 You can either get a cheap data plan for real-time tracking or rely on GPS.
00:28:10 It should work even without a SIM card.
00:28:15 Protect your side mirrors from thieves with special covers.
00:28:18 You can find models that come with locks made from anti-cut materials.
00:28:22 The cover will also protect your side mirrors from scratches and scruffs and extend their
00:28:27 lifespan.
00:28:28 Plus, you can go creative and choose covers with your favorite team's logo or something
00:28:33 else that's important to you.
00:28:35 Not a bad idea to customize your vehicle on a budget, right?
00:28:39 Car thieves use different schemes to distract your attention.
00:28:42 A piece of paper stuck to the rear view window, a plastic bottle over the wheel, or a shirt
00:28:48 on the trunk of your car.
00:28:50 These and other small things will likely get you out of the car.
00:28:53 The bad guys can also pretend to be nice and helpful and to tell you to pull over because
00:28:59 there's something under your car.
00:29:01 The idea here is, again, to get you out of your car and let them steal it.
00:29:06 So instead of going out, close the windows, lock the car doors, and don't go out if
00:29:11 there's someone suspicious hanging around.
00:29:15 Criminals aren't the only bad guys who can do your vehicle harm.
00:29:20 Harsh winter weather can be a problem too.
00:29:23 If you don't want to find your wipers stuck to the windshield and scrape them off every
00:29:28 morning, leave them up when you're not driving.
00:29:31 You probably heard it's a bad idea because it ruins the arm spring and can tempt someone
00:29:37 to steal your wipers.
00:29:40 Don't worry, the springs don't lose their elasticity and there aren't really many people
00:29:44 who are after your wiper blades.
00:29:48 In case you forget to put the wipers up and find them safely stuck to your windshield,
00:29:54 try running the AC.
00:29:56 Cold air will defrost the windows just like warm air.
00:29:59 And it works by dehumidifying the air.
00:30:03 If your lock is frozen and you can't get inside your own car, treat it with some hand sanitizer.
00:30:10 That substance can melt the ice without a problem.
00:30:15 To prevent your windshield from getting frosty, mix three parts vinegar and one part water
00:30:21 and spray that solution on the windows overnight.
00:30:25 It'll save you some scraping time in the morning.
00:30:29 Always keep your gas tank more than half full in cold weather.
00:30:34 Moist air will be happy to fill any empty space above the fuel in your tank.
00:30:40 And that air will condense to water in the cold.
00:30:44 Water is denser than gasoline, so it settles at the bottom of your tank.
00:30:49 When enough of it accumulates, it'll go through the fuel line to the engine.
00:30:54 And that's not really good.
00:30:57 To protect your favorite car from rust, wash your vehicle regularly.
00:31:02 Something as simple as that can be the difference because dirt damages the protective layer
00:31:07 of clear coat and paint and makes it easier for rust to sneak in.
00:31:13 Don't forget to wash the undercarriage of the car and the wheel wells.
00:31:18 Make sure the car paint isn't chipping or peeling.
00:31:21 You need that layer to protect your vehicle from the elements.
00:31:25 In the cold season, salt from the road can also cause some rust spots.
00:31:30 To avoid that, you should at least rinse the car every week, even in the winter.
00:31:38 And don't forget to wax it at least twice a year.
00:31:42 That's another good way to keep your paint looking good as new and protect it from UV
00:31:48 rays.
00:31:49 One more thing is to keep the inside of the car clean.
00:31:52 If you spill something inside, always mop up the liquid.
00:31:56 You don't want it to seep further and hit the metal parts.
00:32:00 This is exactly how rust forms.
00:32:04 You check into your hotel room, connect to Wi-Fi, jump on the bed, and post 15 photos
00:32:09 of your new window view.
00:32:12 When the initial surge of excitement is gone, you notice a suspicious blinking light on
00:32:16 your big TV.
00:32:18 Could it be that someone is watching you?
00:32:20 Or have you just seen too many spy movies?
00:32:23 Well, hidden cameras come in all shapes and sizes.
00:32:27 Large ones are easy to spot, but the small ones can be really sneaky and inconspicuous.
00:32:33 They can be hiding behind furniture, in decorations or vents, and anywhere else you'll have trouble
00:32:39 noticing.
00:32:40 There are even special cameras that can be hidden in everyday movable objects like alarm
00:32:45 clocks, picture frames, vases, and lamps.
00:32:49 Check to see if these objects are facing at a strange angle or if they're positioned to
00:32:54 get the best view of your room or bathroom.
00:32:58 The easiest way to spot a hidden cam is to look for the lens reflection because all cameras
00:33:03 come with lenses.
00:33:05 Turn off the lights and slowly scan the room with a flashlight, laser pointer, or a special
00:33:11 wireless spy cam detector.
00:33:13 It comes with infrared scanning lights and one illuminating light.
00:33:17 When you find a reflective red spot, you gotta turn on the flashlight to help check if there
00:33:22 is a hidden camera.
00:33:24 Definitely check the vents along with any other holes and gaps in the walls or ceiling.
00:33:29 Some advanced detectors even show you what the camera is seeing, making it way easier
00:33:34 to spot and disable.
00:33:36 The detectors only work on cameras that are turned on and working normally though.
00:33:43 Your mobile phone can also help you find some hidden threats.
00:33:48 Turn on Bluetooth and walk around, see if any unknown devices pop up on the screen.
00:33:54 Another idea is to install a network scanner app that shows all devices that are connected
00:33:59 to the Wi-Fi network you're using at the hotel.
00:34:02 When it's done scanning, study the list for devices called something like IP camera or
00:34:08 cam.
00:34:09 Plus, you can put your phone on selfie mode, turn off the light and close the curtains
00:34:15 and look around the room slowly while focusing on the screen.
00:34:19 Keep an eye out for purple or white lights on the screen.
00:34:24 You can play detective some more and call your friend or family member and start walking
00:34:29 around your room.
00:34:31 Smart cameras should emit a sort of radio frequency.
00:34:35 It will most likely interfere with your phone call signal.
00:34:39 If you start hearing any weird noises while you're on the phone in a certain area of your
00:34:43 room, make sure to inspect it carefully.
00:34:47 Check out the light switches, electrical outlets, lamps and other objects you normally wouldn't
00:34:53 pay attention to.
00:34:55 If they look a bit crooked, have a hole or seem misplaced, it could be a sign that someone
00:35:00 tampered with them.
00:35:02 Many spy devices need wires and whoever installed them had to hide those wires, often behind
00:35:08 the vinyl baseboard.
00:35:10 That's why the place where the floor and the wall meet is another area you should check.
00:35:15 Ridges, bumps or discoloration could be a sign there's a microphone hiding there.
00:35:21 The same goes for spots on ceilings and walls, even if they're not larger than a coin.
00:35:28 If you do find a hidden camera or something looking suspicious, don't shy away and let
00:35:33 the hotel administration or your booking service know about it.
00:35:38 Don't try to touch or move the device yourself.
00:35:41 If the hotel denies everything, contact local law enforcement.
00:35:46 After you've scanned the room for cameras, check out the mirrors.
00:35:50 Someone could be watching you from the other side.
00:35:53 First, see if the mirror is built into the wall or can be adjusted.
00:35:58 If the mirror is semi-transparent, it will be built into the wall.
00:36:02 You can do a simple test to check the mirror.
00:36:05 Press your fingertip against the glass and push firmly enough to leave a fingerprint
00:36:10 as you move your finger away.
00:36:13 Study the fingerprint.
00:36:15 If there's a small gap between the print and the mirror where the glass should be,
00:36:19 then it's just a mirror.
00:36:21 On a semi-transparent mirror, there will be no gap.
00:36:26 Another way to check if your mirror is semi-transparent is simply to tap the glass.
00:36:31 If someone is watching you from the other side, the mirror will make an empty sound.
00:36:36 A double mirror needs a brighter light on the other side than on yours.
00:36:41 Get close to it and cup your hands around your eyes.
00:36:44 Do you see some light behind the mirror?
00:36:47 If so, you might have an unwanted audience.
00:36:51 Before you leave your room or go to bed, make sure every door is securely locked.
00:36:56 By every door, I mean not only the entrance to the room but also the door leading to the
00:37:01 terrace if you have one.
00:37:04 You can bring a portable door lock with you for extra security if you're staying in.
00:37:09 You could also start a little DIY project and wrap a belt or a bag strap around the
00:37:14 arm that pushes the door shut.
00:37:17 Buckle it up and wrap it around several times for an extra layer of protection.
00:37:23 Another idea for when you're about to nap or go to sleep is to build a pyramid of stuff
00:37:28 by the door.
00:37:30 Glasses and mugs will do perfectly.
00:37:32 If someone tries to get inside while you're sleeping, there'll be some serious noise.
00:37:38 Intruders prefer to keep it low-key, so they're highly likely to give up on robbing you straight
00:37:43 away.
00:37:45 If you travel with some valuables and don't feel comfortable leaving them around the room,
00:37:49 you could put them in the safe inside your room.
00:37:53 But because those safes use passcodes instead of physical locks, someone from the hotel
00:37:57 has to know the master code to unlock it, just in case.
00:38:02 So you can bring your own safe with you instead.
00:38:04 You can find the ones looking like books on Amazon, for example.
00:38:08 They're made of strong metal and textured paper.
00:38:11 They come with a combination lock and have enough room to fit your passports, cash, and
00:38:16 jewelry.
00:38:18 In case you have to leave your laptop in the room and want to make sure no one plugs in
00:38:22 a USB drive to steal your data, here's what you can do.
00:38:27 Leave a bottle of water or some other item next to the USB port.
00:38:31 Measure the distance.
00:38:32 Let's say it's one thumb-length away.
00:38:36 For someone to plug in their device in the laptop, they need to move the bottle.
00:38:40 You can take it one step further and drop a pen parallel to the laptop under a certain
00:38:46 angle.
00:38:47 You can measure the angle with your smartwatch or phone using the Compass app.
00:38:52 Again, if someone moves it, you'll know.
00:38:56 Even something as simple as a "Please do not disturb" sign can help you figure out
00:39:01 if someone entered your room while you were away.
00:39:05 Make it look like you left in a rush and the sign accidentally stuck between the door and
00:39:09 the door frame.
00:39:10 If you come back and the sign is hanging freely, then someone must have ignored it and tried
00:39:15 to disturb you.
00:39:17 In that case, you can contact reception and ask to send someone to enter the room with
00:39:22 you to keep you safe.
00:39:25 If you care about the cleanliness of your room as much as you do about your belongings
00:39:29 and your personal safety, this one's for you.
00:39:34 Hotel housekeeping workers normally have up to 20 rooms to take care of on an 8-hour shift.
00:39:40 It means they'll have no more than 30 minutes for your room.
00:39:45 It gives them enough time to make the bed, clean the floors in the room and the bathroom,
00:39:49 empty the trash bins, and dust all surfaces.
00:39:53 But they rarely have the time to take care of smaller objects like light switches, door
00:39:58 and drawer handles, and remotes.
00:40:01 And yes, these are exactly the objects you'll be in contact with the most.
00:40:06 They can actually have more germs than the toilet.
00:40:09 So if you want to be sure those germs won't land on your hands, bring enough antibacterial
00:40:15 wipes to clean all those things before you touch them.
00:40:19 Did you know that most break-ins take place in the middle of the day?
00:40:24 The FBI says burglaries happen midday because people are outside the house.
00:40:30 Don't let your home be an easy mark for theft.
00:40:33 Here are 10 tips to protect your home and some security items you might need along the
00:40:39 way.
00:40:40 Number one on our list is portable door locks.
00:40:44 They aren't just designed for regular houses.
00:40:47 Let's say you stay in a rented house, where other guests also come and go.
00:40:53 You can carry one of these portable locks with you.
00:40:57 Many rooms have secondary locking mechanisms besides the regular lock, like security chains
00:41:02 attached to the door, but you shouldn't always rely on them.
00:41:07 These mechanisms are only held by screws.
00:41:10 It means they're easy to dislocate.
00:41:14 There are many portable lock models, so what should you look for?
00:41:18 Ease of use is the key for installation and removal in case of emergency.
00:41:24 Most inward swing doors are suitable for these items.
00:41:27 Adalock is a good example.
00:41:29 You can find it on Amazon.
00:41:31 It's fairly inexpensive, has a versatile design, and most importantly, comes in one piece.
00:41:38 It takes seconds to upgrade your safety.
00:41:40 You insert the claws into the door strike plate and then close the door.
00:41:44 It'll be held in position with a handle.
00:41:47 There you go.
00:41:49 Burglars don't hang out in your house or bother stealing heavy stuff like TVs.
00:41:55 They want to get in and out in under 10 minutes.
00:41:59 What you should do is take some precautions to slow them down.
00:42:03 Laminated glass is great for this.
00:42:06 You should consider investing in it.
00:42:09 Normal windows that are made with tempered glass can shatter easily, but laminated windows
00:42:14 are like shields.
00:42:15 They can crack but not break apart.
00:42:18 Instead of making smashing noises and grabbing attention, the burglar will probably leave.
00:42:24 The structure of laminated glass is different from the regular one.
00:42:28 It holds the piece intact even after a strong impact.
00:42:32 Laminated glass windows are 100 times stiffer and 5 times more durable than standard.
00:42:39 What makes these types of glass so special?
00:42:42 Firstly, it's made with layers.
00:42:45 There are two layers of glass, and there's a vinyl material in between that helps keep
00:42:50 the two layers intact.
00:42:52 As a bonus, laminated ones have a soundproofing feature.
00:42:56 Two birds with one stone.
00:43:02 The interlayer absorbs some of the outside noise.
00:43:06 It's glass after all.
00:43:07 Aren't we going to see the vinyl layer?
00:43:10 That might be the question that popped into your head.
00:43:13 Nope, laminated glass is transparent, just like other types.
00:43:17 Enjoy the crystal clear views while staying safe.
00:43:20 I would say but unfortunately, it's expensive to get these specifically manufactured burglar-deterring
00:43:26 glasses.
00:43:27 You can have professionals install a laminate film onto your standard windows.
00:43:32 Or you can even buy security film.
00:43:34 They all work according to the same principle.
00:43:37 But obviously, these alternatives cannot be as strong as the laminated glass itself.
00:43:44 The next few tips come from an ex-burglar, Michael Fraser.
00:43:48 Now he's giving bits of advice on how to protect from theft.
00:43:53 His first tip is quite interesting.
00:43:55 Put a "Beware of the Dog" sticker if you have a dog.
00:43:59 If a dog can walk around the house without triggering the alarm, so can a human.
00:44:04 This is the way burglars think.
00:44:07 Plus, many dogs get friendly in a short time unless they're specifically trained to catch
00:44:12 strangers.
00:44:13 Otherwise, they can easily be put in a room and well, you know the rest.
00:44:18 Bye bye to precious items.
00:44:21 Advertising your house for sale online is a standard procedure to attract potential
00:44:25 buyers, but also thieves.
00:44:29 With your innocent picks, burglars can have floor plans with virtual tours.
00:44:33 They can easily spot the entry and escape routes.
00:44:36 Sounds like a perfect plan to rob a house.
00:44:40 Number 5 is buying a home security system.
00:44:43 It helps prevent thefts and notifies you if that happens.
00:44:48 According to the data, homes without a security system are almost three times more vulnerable
00:44:53 to break-ins.
00:44:54 There are numerous ones to choose from.
00:44:57 Some are pricey, but luckily there are affordable options too.
00:45:01 You don't even have to call professionals.
00:45:03 This do-it-yourself security system from Amazon is an example of a budget-friendly gadget
00:45:08 with useful features.
00:45:10 These types of devices are designed to be easy to install.
00:45:14 You'll be guided through an app for the software and for the product itself.
00:45:18 Bonus, you won't have to deal with screws, tools, or drilling.
00:45:22 They have fast emergency dispatch that can notify the authorities if you say so.
00:45:28 Since it's easy to set up, it's perfect for short-term residents too.
00:45:32 Remember I mentioned that if a dog can walk in the house, so can a thief?
00:45:37 Well, technology is not in favor of thieves.
00:45:40 These types of devices can now detect intruders and be friends with your pet.
00:45:45 The sensors can be put in the window, doors, and corners, but still be adjusted to avoid
00:45:51 fake alarms by the pets.
00:45:54 Another device to add a layer of protection to you, especially in shared residences like
00:45:59 dorms, is a doorstop alarm.
00:46:02 These devices are very compact, so you can put them in your luggage and take them on
00:46:07 your dream vacation.
00:46:09 You can use it in your daily life.
00:46:11 A doorstop alarm can be used on any door as long as you place it inside.
00:46:16 It works as a door wedge, but it keeps the door closed.
00:46:19 How does it work?
00:46:20 When the alarm is triggered, it will keep the intruder outside the door and activate
00:46:24 a noise alarm.
00:46:26 It can wake the owner of the house or neighbors.
00:46:29 This one, again, can be easily found on Amazon.
00:46:34 Ex-burglar Michael also recommends thinking like a thief.
00:46:37 Ask yourself, "How would I get in?"
00:46:40 It's a great starting exercise for discovering vulnerable spots.
00:46:44 Walk around your home.
00:46:46 Is there a window that can be easily opened?
00:46:48 Oh wait, is it your laptop on the desk that can be seen from the street?
00:46:53 Speaking of the street, if you buy a new electronic device like a TV or a computer, don't leave
00:46:59 the empty cartons displayed near the trash container.
00:47:02 This looks like an invitation to thieves.
00:47:05 They will know that you have expensive electronics inside the house.
00:47:10 Instead, break down the cardboard boxes and then put them away for recycling.
00:47:16 Unfortunately, first floor windows are entry points in 23% of home break-ins.
00:47:22 To prevent this, you can purchase a wireless alarm kit.
00:47:26 When it comes to the front door, installing a double-key deadbolt can be a solution.
00:47:32 Similarly, motion sensor lighting does the job.
00:47:36 Do you have blind spots around your home?
00:47:39 Upgrade to a security camera with night vision.
00:47:42 If you want to see what's happening inside your house rather than outside, you can get
00:47:46 one of these cool security gadgets.
00:47:49 Orbi Robotic Mobile Sphere is like a ball, but it has a camera inserted in it.
00:47:54 It doesn't have a limited view.
00:47:56 Imagine, you're at the office and want to play with your dog.
00:48:00 Your four-pawed best friend can chase the ball at home while you're away controlling
00:48:04 the device.
00:48:05 Ah, okay, we're here to save your house from burglars, so I'll leave fun pet toys
00:48:09 for another video.
00:48:12 Here is a shocking truth about fences.
00:48:15 Most people believe that fences are like guardians protecting their property.
00:48:19 Sorry to break it to you, but even tall and solid ones aren't as secure as you believe.
00:48:24 The number one rule of a thief is not to be caught, and if they broke into a house with
00:48:29 fences at night, they'd be perfectly covered.
00:48:33 Your neighbors can't see who that person is.
00:48:35 You know, unless they have x-ray vision.
00:48:38 The fences should be hard to climb.
00:48:40 One of the points of having a fence is privacy.
00:48:43 But I'm just saying metal, wire, and picket fences are harder for intruders to fly in.
00:48:49 So we cracked the burglar's code.
00:48:51 Implementing the tips on our list might help you discourage and prevent burglary and keep
00:48:55 you safe.
00:48:57 Did you experience such unpleasant incidents?
00:49:00 If so, do you have any other tips for fellow brightsiders to watch out for?
00:49:05 Oops, another burglary in the US has just occurred.
00:49:10 Wait another 22.6 seconds and there will be another one.
00:49:14 Hey, no need to worry about your property.
00:49:17 Forewarned, forearmed.
00:49:19 Let's explore a few tips on how to protect your house.
00:49:24 A mere sticker can contribute a lot to your house's safety.
00:49:28 For instance, you can use a sticker that says you have a home security system, even if in
00:49:33 reality you don't.
00:49:35 It may not sound convincing enough, but still, burglars prefer not to mess with such houses.
00:49:40 Just one more tip here.
00:49:41 Make sure the sticker looks true to life.
00:49:43 So a makeshift sign won't do.
00:49:46 It's better to fork out some money and grab a real-looking sticker.
00:49:52 Another smart trick is to leave a pair of really large shoes on the porch so that the
00:49:56 burglars could clearly see them.
00:49:59 It will make them think someone big and dangerous lives there, and they won't fancy meeting
00:50:03 them.
00:50:05 Right, now let's inspect your door.
00:50:09 I hope you don't leave the keys under the doormat.
00:50:12 The only things you can leave under the mat are the cookies or chips.
00:50:15 This is a fun way to see if someone was visiting you while you were away.
00:50:19 However, the trick doesn't give you a 100% guarantee.
00:50:23 It might be a mailman, a delivery guy who got the wrong door, or even a random dog hanging
00:50:28 around your porch.
00:50:29 Yeah, cookies feel better in your stomach, not under the doormat.
00:50:34 Ok, you're back home from work.
00:50:38 It was a tough day, and you're tired.
00:50:40 You leave the keys in the keyhole and completely forget about it.
00:50:43 Right, the main thing is that you've locked the door and the keys are inside.
00:50:48 But who said there is no burglar in the bushes targeting your house?
00:50:52 Technically, it might be impossible to insert a dupe and get in if there's a key in the
00:50:56 keyhole, but these guys are well equipped and have a whole assortment of hooks to lure
00:51:01 the key out.
00:51:03 You know what happens next.
00:51:04 They can seep into your house as silently as ninjas and grab all your valuables while
00:51:09 you're peacefully sleeping.
00:51:11 A lock that can only be closed from the inside and can't be opened from the outside seems
00:51:16 like a good solution.
00:51:20 When moving to a new place, even if you didn't buy it, but rent it, make sure to change the
00:51:25 locks.
00:51:26 Who knows how many copies of those keys there are.
00:51:29 As for renting, you never know who lived there before you moved in.
00:51:32 Also, if for some reason you accidentally left your keys in the front door for some
00:51:37 time, the best thing to do is to change the lock.
00:51:40 Yeah, probably nothing bad will happen, but still, it's better to play it safe.
00:51:47 Plus not only should you stop leaving the keys in the door, but you also shouldn't
00:51:51 leave them on display.
00:51:53 Maybe it's better to bring the keys to the living room instead of keeping them near the
00:51:56 front door.
00:51:58 Sometimes burglars can use not only your door, but your window too.
00:52:05 Mind your trash, especially if you throw away some pricey stuff packaging.
00:52:10 Don't let the thieves know what you purchased and how much you paid for it.
00:52:13 Also, your trash may contain some essential information about your personal data, credit
00:52:18 card details, and so much more.
00:52:24 Keep an eye on your mailbox.
00:52:26 Make sure you have a lock on it.
00:52:28 Thing is, burglars may be quite interested in your mail contents, so the secret is simple.
00:52:33 Keep the mailbox locked and make sure you shred any personal data related papers.
00:52:40 Now let's inspect your front lawn.
00:52:42 Hey, I can see something compromising.
00:52:45 I'm talking about these large bushes.
00:52:47 Yeah, I know, you don't have time to trim 'em.
00:52:50 The larger they get, the more space there is for the burglars to hide.
00:52:53 Plus, if someone sees untrimmed shrubs and trees in the front yard, they might think
00:52:58 nobody's home.
00:52:59 You see the point, right?
00:53:03 Okay, let's say you ignored all the previous tips and burglars broke into your house.
00:53:09 The most interesting thing for them is surely cash.
00:53:12 If you don't have any cash at home, you can skip this tip.
00:53:16 But if you have valuables, get creative.
00:53:19 Cash can be stuffed into a plastic bag and hidden in a large container with some leftovers.
00:53:24 Also, you can place that plastic bag into an old detergent bottle you keep in the storeroom
00:53:29 or the kitchen.
00:53:31 Burglars aren't likely to look for your stash there.
00:53:34 A couple of don'ts here.
00:53:37 Hiding cash or jewels in a prescription pills container isn't that smart.
00:53:41 And yeah, a freezer isn't the best option either.
00:53:44 Many burglars like to check it in the first place.
00:53:50 Time to see if you keep your keys right.
00:53:52 If you keep your car and house keys together, you might want to reconsider it.
00:53:57 First off, imagine you lose them and burglars somehow know where you live.
00:54:01 Not only will they grab what they want, but they'll also have a vehicle to transport all
00:54:06 your hard-earned belongings.
00:54:10 Keep an eye on your garage keys, especially if it's possible to sneak into your house
00:54:15 through your garage.
00:54:17 Even if it isn't, who said there are no valuables in the garage?
00:54:21 However, there are no limits whatsoever for burglars.
00:54:25 They can sneak into houses even through small windows.
00:54:29 The reason why they prefer doors is that it's the safest way, while squeezing through the
00:54:34 window can get scratches and it's not that they don't want to spoil their looks.
00:54:38 The thing is, if they leave their DNA, they can be traced.
00:54:42 However, crooks are careful about not leaving their traces.
00:54:46 For instance, a report from England claims only about 3% of burglars leave forensic evidence.
00:54:55 To protect yourself at night, there are several options.
00:54:59 Number one, insert a large paper clip or a bobby pin inside the keyhole.
00:55:04 You can use a spare pair of keys if you have them.
00:55:06 This way, you'll make it extremely hard, if not impossible, for the burglars to use the
00:55:11 key dupes.
00:55:13 Number two, barricading is an option.
00:55:15 It can be a heavy chair, a bookshelf, you name it.
00:55:18 I mean, why not if it makes you feel safe?
00:55:24 If your door opens outwardly, a jammer could do a great job for you.
00:55:28 A chair can be super handy.
00:55:31 Secure it under the doorknob.
00:55:32 It's not the most powerful security system, but at least it does its job.
00:55:36 Binding the doorknobs or handles together can be an option too.
00:55:43 A dummy security camera can protect you during the day and night.
00:55:47 Again, burglars are not as fearless as they may seem.
00:55:50 If you have a real CCTV, make sure the crooks don't deactivate it.
00:55:54 So place it in some hard to get place.
00:56:00 If you're ready to fork out some money for protection, then the motion sensor light is
00:56:03 exactly what you need.
00:56:06 Crooks like dim spots, and once they approach your place, they'll be frightened off by the
00:56:10 bright light.
00:56:11 This solution works as long as the burglars know you're home.
00:56:14 In case they're sure you're away, it's way less efficient.
00:56:20 TV and radio timers are another trick.
00:56:23 With their help, you can imitate your home even if you're not.
00:56:26 A perfect match for the motion sensor light.
00:56:29 This trick can help outsmart some burglars, but again, it doesn't give a 100% guarantee.
00:56:35 Some of them aren't afraid to break in, even if the TV's on.
00:56:41 What about live alarm systems?
00:56:44 This can be real or fake too.
00:56:46 I'm talking about dogs.
00:56:48 Remember the trick with the boots?
00:56:50 You can do the same with a dog if you don't have one.
00:56:53 Leave a large bowl on the porch, but make sure it all looks real.
00:56:56 I mean the bowl should not look untouched and brand new.
00:57:01 Hey, do you know all your neighbors?
00:57:05 If not, it's high time you baked some cookies and visited them to know them better.
00:57:10 First, the crooks don't really like to operate in areas where few people know each other
00:57:14 and care for each other.
00:57:16 This way, their chances of being spotted and reported are extremely high.
00:57:21 So a sort of neighborhood watch is a perfect way to protect your house.
00:57:25 And who knows, find new friends.
00:57:28 When a stranger asks you to take a picture of them and gives you a phone, don't rush
00:57:32 to take it.
00:57:33 Look at them first.
00:57:35 If he or she looks suspicious or unfriendly, it's better to refuse the request nicely.
00:57:40 Maybe it's a fraud.
00:57:42 They give you the phone, you turn on the camera and see that it's broken.
00:57:46 The image in the photo is damaged.
00:57:48 You give the stranger their phone back and they accuse you of breaking the phone.
00:57:52 They demand money and behave aggressively.
00:57:55 In such a situation, it's better not to panic and not be provoked.
00:57:59 Calmly leave.
00:58:00 Make it clear that you won't fall for this.
00:58:03 And if they behave too aggressively, then call the police.
00:58:07 You're walking down the street and a man or woman in dirty clothes runs up to you.
00:58:11 They pretend to be homeless and behave like they're in a hurry.
00:58:14 They show you a strange coin and say they found it in a basement of an old house.
00:58:18 The stranger says the coin is a very rare specimen and is worth thousands of dollars.
00:58:23 You take a photo of the coin and find out information about it on the internet.
00:58:27 And it turns out to be true.
00:58:29 The coin is expensive.
00:58:30 The homeless person can't sell it for that kind of money because no one will believe
00:58:34 them.
00:58:35 They offer to give the coin to you for a few hundred bucks.
00:58:38 The offer seems profitable, but it's a hoax.
00:58:41 The stranger offers you a fake that costs no more than a couple of dollars.
00:58:45 They pretend to be poor and homeless to make their story seem realistic.
00:58:49 Refuse the purchase and call the police.
00:58:51 This guy can trick other people too.
00:58:53 Thieves can put an advertising flyer, a newspaper or a sticker on the door of your house or
00:58:58 apartment.
00:58:59 In the doorway, you can find a piece of paper or a thin strip from a plastic bottle.
00:59:03 If you don't remove one of these items for a long time, then the thieves understand that
00:59:07 you're not at home.
00:59:08 This way, thieves mark buildings and apartments that are easy to get into.
00:59:13 After all, getting into an empty apartment is much safer.
00:59:16 So as soon as you see a foreign object, immediately get rid of it.
00:59:20 If a flyer or bookmark hangs on the door for one or two days, it tells the thief that no
00:59:24 one's home.
00:59:26 Of course, these can be real advertising stickers, but you still don't need them.
00:59:30 In addition to flyers, they may be strange labels on the house or apartment door.
00:59:34 Numbers, crosses or other symbols.
00:59:36 This is how robbers mark houses they're about to break in.
00:59:39 If you see such a sign, it's better to call the police.
00:59:43 You're approaching your car and see a shirt or a piece of cloth wrapped around the wiper.
00:59:48 At this moment, don't try to remove it.
00:59:50 Calmly get into the car, look around and drive away from this place.
00:59:55 Then when you have changed the location, you can safely take off the cloth.
00:59:59 The fact is that the scammers tie the fabric on the wipers on purpose and as tightly as
01:00:03 possible.
01:00:04 While you're messing around with the shirt and try to take it off, they can get into
01:00:07 your car and drive away or even jump you from behind.
01:00:12 You arrive at the supermarket, stop in the parking lot and get out of the car.
01:00:16 At this moment, another, more expensive car stops nearby.
01:00:20 A neat and wealthy looking man comes out of there and asks you for some money for gas.
01:00:25 He says that his phones run out of juice, he forgot his wallet at home and he urgently
01:00:30 needs to refill his tank.
01:00:31 He promises to send you the money as soon as he gets to the phone.
01:00:35 Don't give him money, he's a fraud!
01:00:37 It might seem he really needs help and will definitely return the money because he looks
01:00:41 like an honest and decent person.
01:00:43 But most likely, his car is rented and his clothes are cheap.
01:00:47 During the day, he drives around the city and asks to borrow money for the gas from
01:00:51 different drivers, counting on their sympathy.
01:00:54 By the end of the day, he accumulates a large amount and doesn't return it.
01:00:58 You walk down the street and see a beautiful coin or a phone lying on the ground.
01:01:02 Don't pick it up, it's well glued to the asphalt.
01:01:05 You will not be able to lift it on the first attempt.
01:01:07 You will start trying to take the object off the ground and while you're at it, the scammer
01:01:11 will run past and grab your bag.
01:01:14 Such a clever trick resembles cheese in a mouse trap.
01:01:17 In movies, we often see how thieves feed a dog to make it friendly during a house robbery
01:01:22 or they add sleeping pills to dog food.
01:01:24 In reality, everything is much more unpleasant.
01:01:27 Thieves can steal your dog to make it easier to rob the house.
01:01:30 Of course, if the dog is missing, it doesn't always mean someone wants to rob you.
01:01:34 However, if this happens, then you need to be on your guard.
01:01:39 Robbers and thieves spend a lot of time on social networks.
01:01:43 Don't rush to post photos from your vacation in another country.
01:01:46 When you do this, you basically shout to the whole world, "Look how far away I am from
01:01:51 my house!"
01:01:52 It's better to wait until you get home and only then upload the photos.
01:01:56 Also, there are cases when thieves collaborate with mobile scammers.
01:02:00 They got access to the social pages of some people to find out when they were going on
01:02:03 vacation.
01:02:04 Then, they reported the information to the real robbers.
01:02:08 You're driving home from work and suddenly notice you're almost out of gas.
01:02:12 That's weird because you recently filled a full tank.
01:02:15 You go to the gas station and to the car repair center to check if there is a gas leak in
01:02:19 the vehicle.
01:02:20 Meanwhile, robbers can take things out of your house.
01:02:23 They deliberately drain the fuel from your car so that you go to the gas station.
01:02:27 They detain you and buy time to clean out your home.
01:02:31 If you're sure that you refueled recently and the gas was drained from you, then you
01:02:35 should call your neighbors and ask them to monitor your house or apartment.
01:02:41 If you regularly use cleaning services for your house, then you should be alerted by
01:02:45 the appearance of a new cleaner.
01:02:47 Every time a cleaner is replaced, the cleaning company should warn you about it.
01:02:51 If this didn't happen, check for yourself.
01:02:54 Call and find out all about the new cleaner.
01:02:56 If they have new information about the new employer, then probably the thief wants to
01:03:00 get into your apartment and inspect it for valuables.
01:03:04 Call the police and don't let the cleaner inside the house.
01:03:07 Also, thieves can pretend to be plumbers, doctors, or social workers.
01:03:12 Demand the necessary documents from them before letting these people into your home.
01:03:16 They can be nice and sociable, but while you're talking to them, they're observing your house.
01:03:22 Don't throw unnecessary documents in the trash.
01:03:25 Scammers can check the trash cans.
01:03:28 They can find payment receipts, some certificates.
01:03:31 It doesn't mean anything to you, but a thief can get information about your ID, earnings,
01:03:36 and insurance.
01:03:38 Always chop up the documents you throw away.
01:03:41 There are many fraudulent ways in which discarded documents can be used.
01:03:46 Here are some more tips that will reduce the risk of robbery of your property.
01:03:52 Don't leave cardboard boxes from new TV, expensive phones, laptops, or gold watches in the trash
01:03:58 can.
01:03:59 There's no need to show that you're living well.
01:04:02 The advice is not to throw out such garbage near your house.
01:04:06 Also, you can cover the boxes with plastic bags so thieves can't see them.
01:04:12 If you live in a private house and trees grow next to it, then cut off the branches stretching
01:04:17 to your windows.
01:04:18 A thief can easily use them as a ladder.
01:04:22 Also, thieves try to avoid houses with plants and flowers growing under the windows, especially
01:04:28 if it's roses with thorns or cacti.
01:04:32 You can put a "Beware of Angry Dogs" sticker on the door even if you don't have a pet.
01:04:37 No one will want to enter inside.
01:04:40 You can even attach a fake CCTV camera.
01:04:43 It will also scare robbers away.
01:04:45 To prevent a robbery, you can create an illusion that there is always someone in the house
01:04:51 even if you have gone on vacation.
01:04:53 No need to leave the TV or music on.
01:04:56 You can set a special timer that will be turning on the TV for a while every day.
01:05:01 There are also special light bulbs with a timer.
01:05:04 Let them light up in the house every evening and night for 20 to 30 minutes while you're
01:05:09 away.
01:05:10 Thieves often look at filled mailboxes.
01:05:13 They see a lot of letters and realize nobody has been home for a long time.
01:05:19 Wherever you go on vacation for a while, ask a neighbor to pull out your mail.
01:05:23 Or you can go to the post office and ask not to deliver letters to your mailbox before
01:05:28 your arrival.
01:05:31 If you think a deadbolt lock will stop a home intruder, don't be fooled.
01:05:35 60% of burglaries happen through forced entry, so these people definitely know how to get
01:05:40 into your home, even when it's all locked up.
01:05:43 As for 30% of home invasions, they involve an intruder just coming right in through an
01:05:47 unlocked door or window.
01:05:50 65% of all burglaries happen between 6am and 6pm, exactly when you're at work.
01:05:57 Before executing a break-in, an experienced burglar spends days, if not weeks, casing
01:06:02 the place.
01:06:03 They study your schedule and daily routine so they'll know exactly when you'll be gone
01:06:08 and for how long.
01:06:09 They find this information out by watching you from afar, or by using some other tricks
01:06:14 of the trade.
01:06:16 One of the most popular things burglars are doing nowadays is tying a thread on the front
01:06:20 door handle and fixing it to the nearby wall or door frame.
01:06:25 This thread is so thin that a casual onlooker won't even notice it.
01:06:30 By examining the thread, burglars can figure out the pattern of your life.
01:06:34 It may reveal to them when you leave for work, go to the gym, head out for a weekend getaway,
01:06:38 and of course, when you come back home.
01:06:41 With this information in hand, they can plan the perfect break-in.
01:06:46 Experienced burglars have a checklist of easy target homes.
01:06:50 First, you leave your doors or windows unlocked.
01:06:53 Cleaning your house up seems like a no-brainer here, yet so many people don't do it.
01:06:58 They may be lulled into a false sense of security by their tall fence or quiet neighborhood.
01:07:03 Or perhaps they think, "I'm just making a quick run to the corner store.
01:07:07 What could possibly happen in five minutes?"
01:07:09 Believe it or not, this is more than enough time for a skilled burglar to get in, grab
01:07:13 your valuables, and make their getaway.
01:07:16 Your house is empty during the day.
01:07:19 There's a common misconception that burglaries happen at night, but that's when most people
01:07:22 are at home.
01:07:24 This increases a burglar's risk of getting caught.
01:07:27 It's much safer for them to operate during the day when everybody's at work or school.
01:07:32 If you constantly share pictures and posts on social media about your expensive things
01:07:36 or extravagant vacations, don't be surprised if one day you find some valuables missing
01:07:41 from your home.
01:07:43 There are certain things you can do to make yourself less of a burglary target.
01:07:47 Nothing beats a home security system and surveillance.
01:07:49 If a criminal notices an alarm and an operating camera, they'll most likely cross your home
01:07:53 off their list of potential targets.
01:07:56 Surprisingly, just a "Beware of Dog" sign can prevent burglary.
01:08:00 It's even better if you have an actual dog, though.
01:08:03 That tall fence and thick shrubbery that provide your home with some privacy can work against
01:08:08 you.
01:08:09 Sure, your neighbors can't see what you're up to in your backyard, but they also won't
01:08:13 be able to notice if some dishonest citizen invites themselves into your house while you're
01:08:17 away.
01:08:18 Consider opening up the area around your home so that it doesn't seem so isolated.
01:08:24 Are you one of those people who keep their wallet and car keys in a bowl near the front
01:08:27 door?
01:08:28 Yes, it's really convenient to have everything right there as you're heading out.
01:08:32 But if a burglar breaks into your house during the night, nothing will be easier for them
01:08:36 than to grab your valuables and quietly sneak away.
01:08:39 The best place to keep your car keys and wallet at night is near your bed.
01:08:44 Stay safe out there!
01:08:46 Looking for something disgusting?
01:08:48 Have you come to the right place?
01:08:50 Let me explain!
01:08:52 Oh, it's spring cleaning time!
01:08:55 You walk around the house humming a merry tune when you hear a faint buzzing noise.
01:09:00 You stop and strain your ears, and here it goes again, seemingly from behind the wall
01:09:04 in the kitchen.
01:09:05 You come closer and notice a brown spot on the wall that wasn't there just yesterday.
01:09:10 You touch the spot, and oh, the horror!
01:09:13 The drywall sinks inside beneath your fingers, and an entire cloud of wasps fly out of the
01:09:19 hole, buzzing indignantly.
01:09:21 You run for your life, and the wasps chase you outside for disturbing their nest.
01:09:26 When you're far enough, the buzzing cloud returns into the house.
01:09:29 It seems it's their home now, not yours.
01:09:33 It might sound like some movie, but in fact, wasps do build their nests in houses, especially
01:09:38 wooden ones.
01:09:39 They prefer dark, enclosed spaces, so they can make a home in a tree hollow, a compost
01:09:44 box, a shed, or your very own attic.
01:09:49 Probably the worst thing is that you're likely not to notice a wasp infestation inside
01:09:54 your house until it's too late.
01:09:56 In spring, wasp queens migrate to find a new home and lay their eggs.
01:10:01 If one of them likes your house, it will crawl inside some cozy, dark nook and hide there.
01:10:07 In a week or so, the first baby wasps will be born, and if the space is too confined,
01:10:12 they'll start gnawing on the wooden parts of it to make room for their growing colony.
01:10:18 It might take a few years before you notice the symptoms of an infestation, though.
01:10:23 Wasps are believed to return to the same place every year because they leave behind their
01:10:27 pheromones, and the colony will be growing with every passing year too.
01:10:33 Wasps will be munching through wooden boards and even plaster to make themselves comfortable,
01:10:39 and you might hear their rustling and buzzing while they're at work.
01:10:43 If you do hear strange sounds from behind your walls, don't wait long and call pest
01:10:47 control.
01:10:48 It means the colony is already big enough to cause you trouble.
01:10:51 In the worst-case scenario, the innards of your house might be chock-full of wasps by
01:10:56 then.
01:10:57 The last and most obvious symptom of an infestation, though, is when you see brown spots or streaks
01:11:03 on your drywall.
01:11:05 That means the wasps are already a hair's breadth away from you and are about to break
01:11:09 inside your living space.
01:11:11 They can easily chew through drywall, and you might end up meeting the unexpected guests
01:11:16 at night or while having dinner.
01:11:19 Wasps are probably the worst pest to be infested with.
01:11:23 Not only do they undermine your abode, but they're also very protective of their territory.
01:11:28 If they break outside of their space between the walls and into your house proper, they'll
01:11:33 immediately attack you as an intruder.
01:11:35 How rude!
01:11:36 And wasp stings aren't to be trifled with, especially if you have an allergy.
01:11:41 There are numerous species of wasps that can dwell inside people's homes, but perhaps
01:11:47 the most vicious ones are yellow jackets.
01:11:49 They have a distinct bright yellow and black striped body, are bigger than other wasps,
01:11:54 and their sting is much more unpleasant.
01:11:57 Add to that their natural aggressiveness, and you get a flying insect that you don't
01:12:01 want to meet at all.
01:12:03 Still, if you notice any of the symptoms of wasp infestation, make sure you don't take
01:12:09 any action on your own and call the professionals.
01:12:12 Working with strong chemicals like pesticides is unsafe, and in addition, you can do yourself
01:12:17 more harm than good if you don't know exactly what you're doing.
01:12:22 It takes skill and knowledge to get rid of all the pests in your house, and if you leave
01:12:26 just a couple of wasps, especially the queen, all your efforts might be in vain.
01:12:31 So leave it to the experts.
01:12:35 A more inconspicuous, but no less dangerous bug that you don't want to have at home
01:12:39 either is a wood borer.
01:12:42 There are dozens of different species of those too, and some are no more than a nuisance,
01:12:47 while others can be pretty destructive.
01:12:49 Wood borers get their name for, well, boring wood.
01:12:53 As in eating holes in it.
01:12:55 When these bugs are ready to lay their eggs, they find some cozy place with lots of timber
01:13:00 around, such as beneath your wood flooring, for instance, and rest there.
01:13:04 The hatching larvae are hungry, so they start munching on the delicious wood their caring
01:13:09 mom left them on.
01:13:11 They can eat almost 24/7 and only stop when they finally mature and are ready to go explore
01:13:16 the world outside.
01:13:18 As they do, they leave small exit holes in the wooden items they'd been living in.
01:13:23 The danger is that these beetles are silent as opposed to wasps, so you won't hear a
01:13:28 thing while they're snacking on your favorite cupboard.
01:13:32 The first sign of their presence you're likely to notice is the exit hole, and that
01:13:36 means the wood borer has already done some damage inside.
01:13:41 While most species of borers don't do much harm to your dwelling except for those exit
01:13:45 holes, some of them can be a huge trouble.
01:13:49 For example, the European house borer can do a lot of damage to an older house if it
01:13:54 decides to lay its eggs there.
01:13:56 Although these bugs like to feed on sapwood, which is more likely in newer houses, they
01:14:01 can still make nests in older ones too.
01:14:04 And given that the European house borer is pretty big, up to about 3/4 of an inch, the
01:14:09 exit holes it leaves are quite large and noticeable too.
01:14:13 Other borers still, like the Queensland pine beetle, native to Australia, often eat through
01:14:19 older houses, undermining their structure completely.
01:14:22 If you happen to have an infestation of these guys, the best course of action is to call
01:14:27 pest control immediately.
01:14:29 The only good news, perhaps, is that wood borers don't attack humans.
01:14:33 Well, that's something!
01:14:36 These bugs won't eat you or your house, but having them inside your home is still
01:14:40 unpleasant and dangerous.
01:14:42 You know them well – cockroaches.
01:14:45 And if you've seen one in your house during the day, I've got bad news for you – there
01:14:49 are already dozens, if not hundreds of these pests crawling around the place.
01:14:56 Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, and seeing one or two in your kitchen when you come for
01:15:00 a midnight snack is not that bad yet.
01:15:03 But when they appear in broad daylight, it means some numbers of their colony are already
01:15:08 growing desperate.
01:15:10 It would do you good to call pest control fast in that case.
01:15:16 Cockroaches prefer to live in places where there's plenty of food, water, and human
01:15:20 environment to snuggle into.
01:15:22 This is a perfect description of an older human dwelling.
01:15:25 There's more than enough space for roaches to hide and prosper, and people themselves
01:15:30 provide all the food and water the pests need.
01:15:33 Their favorite snacks are meat, starch, and sweet stuff, but they don't mind ransacking
01:15:38 your garbage bin or pantry.
01:15:40 They won't eat through your walls or furniture, and in that regard, they're pretty harmless.
01:15:45 But cockroaches are known carriers of various dangerous germs.
01:15:49 If a cockroach rummaged in, let's say, your sugar bowl, and then you put that sugar into
01:15:53 your tea, you've got a chance of contracting something nasty.
01:15:58 And of course, the more roaches there are in your house, the higher this possibility
01:16:02 is.
01:16:04 It's not hard to recognize a cockroach infestation.
01:16:09 The first sign you should look out for is the smell.
01:16:12 Roaches emit odorous substances into the air, making your home smell oily and musty.
01:16:17 The stronger the odor, the more pests there are, so don't hesitate to call the specialist
01:16:22 even if you haven't seen a single cockroach yet.
01:16:26 A much more significant symptom of their presence in your house is finding shed roach skin around
01:16:31 the place.
01:16:32 They have a chitin carapace that they replace from time to time as they grow.
01:16:36 So if you find one, it means there's at least an entire cockroach family somewhere
01:16:41 around.
01:16:42 But much more likely, there's a whole colony already.
01:16:46 Finally, nothing can be more compelling than seeing a live cockroach with your own eyes,
01:16:51 right?
01:16:52 If you notice a grown one, that might be good news for you yet.
01:16:56 Roaches habitually travel in search of the best place to live in, so when there's an
01:17:00 adult cockroach in your house that you see at night, it might still not have begun a
01:17:04 family of its own.
01:17:07 But if you enter the kitchen and see one or more smaller cockroaches, well, that's bad
01:17:12 luck.
01:17:13 It means their parents are somewhere inside your house, as well as their siblings.
01:17:17 By the way, although the kitchen is, by all means, the most fruitful place for these creepers,
01:17:22 you might also spot them in your bathroom while taking a shower.
01:17:28 Roaches find delight in munching on soap, so it's no surprise they crawl into this
01:17:33 warm and moist room of your house.
01:17:36 You've probably heard that when a burglar decides which house to target, they start
01:17:40 by casing it.
01:17:42 This means that they watch the owners, find out information about their routine, and determine
01:17:47 the best time for entering their home.
01:17:49 By the time they're ready to commit the crime, they already know for sure when there
01:17:54 won't be anybody inside or when the owners will be distracted.
01:17:58 One of the tricks thieves use to gather information about your routine is so simple that you
01:18:03 may not even give it a second thought.
01:18:05 But the next time you hear a quiet crackle under the sole of your shoe, stop and check
01:18:10 what it was.
01:18:11 The chances are high that you'll find yourself face-to-face with a crushed cookie.
01:18:16 If that's the case, it's your clue that something has gone terribly wrong.
01:18:21 The thing is, this is a rather effective tool criminals use to find out if you've left
01:18:25 on a trip or when exactly you come home in the evening.
01:18:28 A cookie is such an innocent object that people don't usually give it much thought, if they
01:18:33 even notice it at all.
01:18:35 You arrive home, step on the cookie, make it crumble, and automatically reveal all your
01:18:40 secrets to burglars.
01:18:42 They know for sure if the house is lived in and can also figure out the schedule of its
01:18:46 owners.
01:18:47 Things get even worse if you're away from home.
01:18:50 The cookie under the doormat remains whole, thus alerting criminals that the house is
01:18:54 perfect for a break-in.
01:18:55 So, if you find some treats under your doormat, that's pretty bad news.
01:19:01 Someone is interested in your house and watching it.
01:19:04 It might be a good idea to notify the police or take some safety measures.
01:19:09 The ploy with a cookie is just one of the numerous tricks used by burglars.
01:19:13 One more sign that can alert you to the fact that you're being watched is white pebbles
01:19:18 left near the house or in the driveway.
01:19:20 This means that a criminal has already visited your home and marked it as worth entering.
01:19:26 Another reason why thieves may have left the pebbles is to indicate that your house stays
01:19:30 empty during the day.
01:19:32 So, if you're walking along the street and notice a USB flash drive sticking out of a
01:19:37 curb or a wall, don't get confused.
01:19:40 You have most likely stumbled across a dead drop.
01:19:44 Despite its ominous name, this is a global art project that has borrowed some tricks
01:19:48 from the world of spies and espionage.
01:19:51 Lots of people who know about this project are happy to be able to put on their black
01:19:54 coat and dark sunglasses and go to swap confidential information with others.
01:20:00 The thing is that many decades ago, spies had their own ways to exchange secret materials.
01:20:05 There was a live drop when spies met in person, but this was often extremely dangerous.
01:20:11 That's why a dead drop system was invented.
01:20:14 In this case, some loose bricks in a wall in an alleyway hid important documents that
01:20:19 had to be picked up later.
01:20:20 Nowadays, there are more than 1,500 dead drops all over the world, and the accumulated data
01:20:26 on these flash drives reaches 10 terabytes.
01:20:30 You can come across a dead drop on any continent you visit, except Antarctica, maybe because
01:20:35 there aren't so many walls there.
01:20:37 So, if you find one, what do you do with it?
01:20:40 First of all, it's highly inadvisable to connect random USB flash drives to your computer.
01:20:46 You never know what viruses are lurking there, looking forward to destroying your hard drive
01:20:50 content.
01:20:51 And while risk is a part of the game, don't overdo it.
01:20:55 If you're 100% sure that you want to play, secure your computer as well as you can, or
01:21:00 even better.
01:21:01 Secondly, you can't even guess what information will be waiting for you on a flash drive.
01:21:07 Anyone can download videos, photos, or text files, and this has already led to several
01:21:12 problems.
01:21:13 Speaking of which, have you got a parcel with a USB stick in it?
01:21:17 Whatever you decide to do with it, don't plug the flash drive in.
01:21:20 Such cases have been more and more frequent in Australia.
01:21:24 The police warn people that hackers have invented a new tactic.
01:21:28 They drop unmarked memory sticks to letterboxes.
01:21:31 It'll probably come as no surprise that these devices contain malware able to mess up your
01:21:36 computer.
01:21:37 They evidently rely on human curiosity, and, in all honesty, it pays off.
01:21:43 People can't fight an inexplicable desire to check the contents of a mysterious gift.
01:21:49 As a result, almost half of USB sticks received by post get plugged in.
01:21:54 After that, people start having serious problems with their laptops and computers.
01:21:59 For example, fraudulent media begins to stream service offers, or computer viruses harm files
01:22:04 and programs on a PC.
01:22:06 So no touching the free flash drive, ok?
01:22:10 Now you leave a shopping mall, your office, an airport, and go to the parking lot to find
01:22:15 your car.
01:22:16 You unlock it and put the key in the ignition.
01:22:19 When you're about to start your vehicle and drive away, you see something strange on your
01:22:23 windshield.
01:22:24 Is that a $100 bill wrapped around your wiper?
01:22:27 Oh, you could certainly find a way to spend this unexpected gift.
01:22:32 But do you really think someone accidentally put money on your windshield and forgot all
01:22:36 about it?
01:22:37 Beware, this is nothing but a ruse.
01:22:40 Because…
01:22:41 As soon as you get out of your car to get a closer look at this mysterious banknote,
01:22:46 the owner of the banknote will take action.
01:22:48 They will get into your car and drive off at a record-breaking speed.
01:22:52 Let's admit that no one would turn off their ignition and take their belongings with them
01:22:57 if they got out of their car to check the windshield for a C-note.
01:23:01 As a result, in under a minute, you'll lose your car, your wallet, and your documents,
01:23:05 and you'll be left stranded in the parking lot.
01:23:08 People have recently started to find some article of clothing, like a shirt for instance,
01:23:13 lying on their windshield or wrapped up in their wipers.
01:23:16 If you ever happen to be one of these people, don't fall into this trap, and don't try
01:23:20 to remove the object.
01:23:22 Just get in your car and drive away as fast as you can from the place you were parked.
01:23:27 This seemingly misplaced garment is actually a new con being used by muggers and thieves.
01:23:32 It works like this.
01:23:34 If you see some random piece of clothing that prevents your wipers from moving or obscures
01:23:38 your view, your first reaction will be to remove it, of course.
01:23:42 But while you're distracted untying it or trying to get it off, the criminal has plenty
01:23:47 of time to jump you.
01:23:49 The most common place for this sort of scam is parking garages.
01:23:52 They're usually badly lit and pretty deserted, which means there are few witnesses around
01:23:57 and plenty of dark spaces for the attacker to lie in wait.
01:24:01 Now if one day you come home and notice some graffiti or markings on your door or house,
01:24:07 call the police immediately.
01:24:09 Even if it just looks like a teenage prank or a simple scratch, it's better to be safe
01:24:13 than sorry because burglars use certain marks to tell other criminals different things about
01:24:19 your house.
01:24:20 For example, something resembling a Roman numeral 2 means that the homeowners are rich,
01:24:26 so the place is a great target.
01:24:28 On the other hand, a crossed circle tells other burglars that there's nothing valuable
01:24:32 to take from the house.
01:24:35 Kinda makes you want to mark your own house like that.
01:24:37 Now a long horizontal rectangle divided into four parts means the place has a big aggressive
01:24:42 guard dog.
01:24:44 A triangle divided into two parts by a vertical line tells criminals to hit the place only
01:24:49 at night, while a reversed one says that a house or apartment is free after dinner.
01:24:55 And something looking like a combined A and K lets their fellow burglars know that the
01:24:59 house is always full of people.
01:25:02 Did you know there's even a fraternity for burglars who love to steal desserts named
01:25:07 Iota Grab-a-Pie?
01:25:08 Sorry I made that up.
01:25:11 A new trick being used by car thieves, and that's the trick with a coin.
01:25:15 They slip it into the space between the door and the door handle.
01:25:19 When a car owner thinks they've locked the door with a remote, the vehicle is, in fact,
01:25:23 still open.
01:25:24 The coin prevents the lock on one of the doors from working.
01:25:27 As soon as the owner walks away from the car, the thief has no problems at all opening the
01:25:32 door and driving away.
01:25:35 Another trick.
01:25:36 As soon as there's some public gathering, a big party, or even a busy day at the mall,
01:25:41 car thieves make an announcement over the PA system that a particular car (chosen by
01:25:45 them of course) has blocked their vehicle in and they can't leave.
01:25:49 As soon as the owner comes out to move his car, a group of guys start to act.
01:25:54 They assume, and for good reason, that the person is carrying the key to his car.
01:26:00 As the famous song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year.
01:26:05 Everyone's leaving their homes to go visit their families, and you are one of those people!
01:26:11 You take a final look around your house before you head out, lock your door, and leave.
01:26:15 But wait!
01:26:16 I have an important warning for you.
01:26:20 Did you know that statistically, most burglaries happen before the holidays begin?
01:26:25 Especially on the 5th, 6th, 11th, 17th, and 18th of December.
01:26:32 That shouldn't be too surprising though.
01:26:34 By the end of November, or the beginning of December, your house starts to fill with brand
01:26:39 new presents.
01:26:41 Maybe you have bought an expensive necklace for your mother, the latest tech gadget for
01:26:45 your father, and a bike for your nephew.
01:26:48 These make a small fortune, wouldn't you agree?
01:26:51 I can already see the dollar signs in the burglar's eyes!
01:26:56 Your home becomes most vulnerable in the late afternoons or early evenings after the sun
01:27:01 sets.
01:27:03 Burglars act quickly before you come home from work.
01:27:06 Weekend evenings are also when the most burglaries are reported.
01:27:10 And when you're out at parties or dinners, burglars know they can take their time, since
01:27:15 it's likely you will be out until late hours.
01:27:18 And if you're away, then there's no escaping your fate.
01:27:23 But there are some precautions you can take to offer fewer clues about your belongings
01:27:28 and whereabouts to burglars.
01:27:30 And no, they don't involve throwing fake parties with cardboard people.
01:27:36 First things first, we always tend to place treats by the window, right?
01:27:40 It makes everything feel cozier and there's a certain charm to displaying your wonderfully
01:27:45 decorated treat to the people who pass by your street.
01:27:49 Well, that's actually a big no-no if you want to keep your place safe.
01:27:54 Also, it's not advised to keep your gifts under the tree as well as near the windows
01:27:59 or any obvious places for days until it's finally time to open them.
01:28:05 Because this will allow burglars to quickly locate these items of value.
01:28:09 Seeing the treat is already set from your window might get them to start watching over
01:28:14 your house as they wait for you to leave, so they can finally break in.
01:28:20 Whether you're going to be at home for the holidays or you're going to be away, it will
01:28:24 always be a clever idea to put your lights on a timer.
01:28:29 If you're going to be on the road, have them turn on during the hours you would normally
01:28:33 be home so that your place doesn't appear empty.
01:28:37 The timer will also come in handy if you're just going to visit a place for only a few
01:28:42 hours.
01:28:43 If you're not able to get a timer, you can always leave some lights on to make the house
01:28:48 seem somehow occupied.
01:28:51 Burglars might eventually realize that there is no one in the house since nobody would
01:28:55 be turning them off, but it can still save you some time if you're going on a short vacation.
01:29:01 And remember, the cost of leaving the lights on will always be lower than the cost of a
01:29:06 break in.
01:29:08 On a related note, if you're one of those people who power their outdoor lights with
01:29:13 extensions that go through the windows and connect to the inside of the house, you might
01:29:18 want to stop doing that.
01:29:20 Since this might prevent windows from being properly closed and secured, it will make
01:29:24 it a lot easier for any burglar to break in.
01:29:27 Instead, you can always use battery-operated lights.
01:29:33 You may be inclined to post photos of your parties, dinners, and gatherings on social
01:29:38 media to show your new dress or just how much fun you're having to your followers, but I
01:29:43 advise you not to do that.
01:29:46 At least wait until the event is over and you're home, because that would be declaring
01:29:51 that your home is empty and ready for burglars to break in if anyone is targeting you.
01:29:57 The more offline you are, the safer you and your house will be.
01:30:01 Even if your social media accounts are set to private, sharing your location, status,
01:30:06 and so on might still cause you trouble.
01:30:10 Because what if the burglar is also a hacker?
01:30:15 Having a hidden spare key outside your house comes with benefits when you forget yours
01:30:19 at the office or drop them through the elevator holes.
01:30:22 However, that will only make the burglar's jobs easier.
01:30:27 Even if they don't know where they are, there's a good chance that with a quick search of
01:30:31 the usual places people hide their keys, they will be able to find them.
01:30:37 What you can do instead is to give them to a trusted neighbor or a friend to keep until
01:30:41 you're back and ask them to check your house from time to time, or better, every day.
01:30:48 And if you can ask that neighbor or friend if they can pick up your packages while you're
01:30:52 away, that will add another layer of protection for your house.
01:30:57 Some online orders or mail may not arrive on time, especially during the holidays when
01:31:03 the delivery companies get super busy.
01:31:06 And if they arrive when you're not home, there's a good chance that the delivery person will
01:31:10 just leave them by your door.
01:31:13 When the packages and letters keep building up on your porch, they will not only help
01:31:17 burglars understand that no one's home, but they can also invite strangers to grab your
01:31:23 boxes.
01:31:24 To avoid this, you can track them and let your neighbors know when they will arrive.
01:31:30 By the way, the same thing goes for any scheduled deliveries such as newspapers, magazines,
01:31:35 or bills as well.
01:31:37 Before you leave the house, take photos of your valuable items such as jewelry, artwork,
01:31:44 and electronic devices, as well as record their models and serial numbers.
01:31:49 This will not only help you stop burglars from breaking into your house in any way,
01:31:53 but it will also come in handy if they indeed do break in and steal stuff.
01:31:58 This way, you will know what's missing from your collection and will be able to show pictures
01:32:03 to the police, which in return, will make it easier for them to locate the stolen items.
01:32:10 Burglars often look around to try and find a ladder, any garden equipment, or any store
01:32:16 tool that will help them break a door or window to get inside your house.
01:32:21 That's why you should securely lock stuff like these inside sheds or garages.
01:32:26 Once you do that, it will become much harder for the burglars to figure out ways to break
01:32:31 things or climb to windows.
01:32:33 And while they do that, someone can notice their suspicious activity and make them run
01:32:38 away without completing their crime.
01:32:43 Even if you're living in a place with hot weather, never ever leave windows open in
01:32:47 rooms that you're not using, even if you're at home, and make sure they're all closed
01:32:52 tight before leaving the house.
01:32:54 You can always use window locks and replace fly screens with security meshes.
01:33:00 After the holiday ends, it's important that you don't pile the boxes of your expensive
01:33:05 presents outside your house near the trash bin.
01:33:08 If you do, the burglars will not only learn what you've received, but will also get
01:33:13 tempted to break in.
01:33:15 Especially if they see you have an item they want.
01:33:18 They might also assume that you will likely replace the stolen item, and this may encourage
01:33:23 them to break in for a second time.
01:33:26 What you should do instead is to cut the packages before throwing them into the trash.
01:33:32 Or you can also burn them in the fireplace to keep the house cozy and safe.
01:33:38 Last but not least, it's always beneficial to have an intruder alarm, no matter what
01:33:43 time of year it is.
01:33:45 And just having it is not enough.
01:33:48 You have to remember to use it.
01:33:50 Unfortunately, many people who have an alarm don't bother setting it unless they're
01:33:55 going on vacation.
01:33:57 Setting your alarm should become a habit.
01:33:59 Make sure to use it whenever you go out, as well as whenever you come in, since there's
01:34:04 always a chance that burglars might break in while you're sleeping in your bed too.
01:34:09 So, have you checked all the precautions off your list?
01:34:12 Good!
01:34:13 Then happy and safe holidays!
01:34:18 In the US, one burglary happens every 18 seconds.
01:34:22 It takes an experienced burglar between 90 seconds and 12 minutes to grab everything
01:34:26 they need and get out of there before they get caught.
01:34:29 You've probably heard that when a burglar decides which house to target, they start
01:34:33 by "casing" it.
01:34:34 This means they watch the owners, find out information about their routine, and determine
01:34:38 the best time to enter their home.
01:34:41 One of the tricks thieves use to gather information about your routine is so simple that you might
01:34:46 not even give it a second thought.
01:34:48 But the next time you hear a quiet crunch under your shoe as you're unlocking the front
01:34:52 door, stop and check what it is.
01:34:54 Chances are, you'll find yourself face to face with a crushed cookie.
01:34:59 If that's the case, it's your clue that something has gone terribly wrong.
01:35:03 This is a pretty effective tool burglars use to find out if you've left on a trip or when
01:35:07 exactly you come home every day.
01:35:09 A cookie is such an innocent little thing that people don't usually give it much thought.
01:35:14 If they even notice it at all, many probably assume they just crushed a bug under the mat.
01:35:20 You arrive home, step on the cookie, make it crumble, and automatically reveal all your
01:35:27 secrets to burglars.
01:35:29 They know for sure if the house is lived in and can also figure out the homeowner's schedule.
01:35:33 Things get even worse if you're away for a while.
01:35:36 The cookie under the doormat remains intact, thus alerting criminals that the house is
01:35:40 perfect for a break-in.
01:35:43 To decrease your chances of a burglar dropping some cookies under your doormat, don't announce
01:35:47 everything on social media.
01:35:49 You won't believe how many criminals today use it to gather information.
01:35:53 Don't post any details about your vacation plans.
01:35:55 If you're eager to share your amazing photos from the beach, do it after you get back home.
01:36:01 Check your privacy settings every time you post something when you're away from home.
01:36:05 It's all too simple for a thief to figure out that your house is empty at the moment
01:36:09 if you're ranting online about how crowded these stores are on Black Friday.
01:36:13 Get to know your neighbors.
01:36:15 If you build a strong network around you in your community, bad guys consider your neighborhood
01:36:19 too high of a risk.
01:36:21 Every time you go away, inform your neighbors.
01:36:24 Ask them to text or call you if they notice anything suspicious going on around your house.
01:36:28 You can do the same for them next time they go on a trip.
01:36:32 Create the impression that there's somebody at home even when you're away.
01:36:35 Use the TV and radio.
01:36:37 Leave them on when you're away.
01:36:40 The sound of voices will most likely scare burglars away, even if that cookie is still
01:36:44 whole.
01:36:45 One of the most obvious signs that a homeowner has gone away for a while is a pile of newspapers
01:36:51 and mail piling up at the front door.
01:36:53 Ask somebody—a neighbor, a relative, or a friend—to stop by regularly and pick it
01:36:58 all up.
01:36:59 If there's nobody who can do you this favor, place your mail on hold.
01:37:03 You can do this at your local post office.
01:37:06 Another thing that can give away your prolonged absence is an unkempt lawn with tall grass.
01:37:11 Before going away, hire somebody to mow your yard regularly and keep the lawn tidy.
01:37:16 Keep a sharp eye and stay safe.
01:37:18 Let's crack a burglar's code.
01:37:23 Tape on the door handle or a slice of cheese on the car's hood.
01:37:27 And many more can be signs that you're being watched by a crook.
01:37:32 Burglars don't just pick a house randomly and rob it.
01:37:35 They'll often monitor the home before they take action.
01:37:38 They want to know more about the house and its security.
01:37:41 They leave markings on the home, garage door, post box, or storage unit.
01:37:46 Get to know these markings and know what they symbolize, and you'll be able to better protect
01:37:50 your home from the bad guys.
01:37:53 If you see a circle drawn, that means in the eyes of the thieves, your house is a piece
01:37:58 of cake to rob.
01:37:59 Maybe it has no home security system set up.
01:38:02 Yet, a barred circle means to avoid entry.
01:38:05 Maybe the home has high-tech alarms, CCTV cameras, or a dog.
01:38:10 Ladder-like lines means there are valuables visible in the home, so there are items in
01:38:15 the house worth stealing.
01:38:17 If someone sprays the letter "M" in the garbage, that means "empty in the morning," and "N"
01:38:21 refers to "empty at night."
01:38:24 Police forces have issued warnings about the code, but keep in mind that some of these
01:38:28 signs are actually harmless messages used by road workers to communicate about pipelines
01:38:33 and so on.
01:38:36 If you see some evidence of key bumping, don't enter the house.
01:38:40 Key bumping is a technique where burglars use a similar key made with a heavier metal
01:38:44 than the pins to file down the pins on the inside of the lock.
01:38:48 Plus, victims may encounter some problems while claiming insurance in such cases because
01:38:53 this technique may leave no sign of forced entry on the outside of the lock.
01:38:58 You're being robbed and you can't prove it to the insurance company.
01:39:01 Sounds like a nightmare.
01:39:05 Lock picking is a less forceful technique.
01:39:07 This one will leave marks on the doorknob, such as light scratches around the lock, but
01:39:11 the real signs will be found on the inside of the lock on the pins.
01:39:15 They'll have dents.
01:39:18 Heavy scrapes or marks on your doorknob can also indicate that someone has entered your
01:39:22 home.
01:39:23 Thieves sometimes use screwdrivers to break the pins in the lock.
01:39:27 If you see deep scratches, marks, or a widening of the keyhole, be careful when you get inside.
01:39:33 Thieves may stick a tape, and it's usually a see-through one, on the door handle.
01:39:38 Suppose the tape is still there a day or so later.
01:39:41 The squatters believe that the owner is away since the door hasn't been used.
01:39:45 This strategy has become alarmingly prominent in Dublin.
01:39:49 The police warned people to be vigilant and remove any tape immediately after seeing it.
01:39:55 Some of these markings are left by dog thieves, signaling that your home has a money-wise
01:39:59 worthy breed to steal.
01:40:01 Supposedly, red chalk marks are for large dogs, and yellow and pink marks refer to medium
01:40:07 and small dogs.
01:40:08 The police advise dog owners to keep their eyes open around their properties and report
01:40:13 any such instances to the police.
01:40:15 Lastly, pay extra attention when walking their pets.
01:40:21 One of the keys to being safe at a house is having good security and knowing your property.
01:40:26 For instance, if your front door locks are still responsive but function slowly, it may
01:40:30 be a sign of a burglar attempt.
01:40:34 This might be because of a tactic called the vulnerability method.
01:40:38 Thieves make the door lock weaker with time.
01:40:41 They use tools or objects to deteriorate the lock without leaving any traces.
01:40:46 You may think your lock is old and simply postpone calling a locksmith, but that would
01:40:51 be a huge mistake.
01:40:54 Similarly, the key might turn inside the lock with delay.
01:40:58 If it's harder to turn inside, this is usually the first sign of an attempted break-in.
01:41:03 So this is probably the most important warning sign you should take into consideration.
01:41:09 Even security door locks are vulnerable to break-ins.
01:41:13 Did you know that in Churchill, Canada, locals keep their car doors unlocked?
01:41:18 They don't do this to invite the thieves, but to survive a potential polar bear attack.
01:41:23 The town has the largest number of polar bears in the world.
01:41:27 Imagine a resident faced with a polar bear and another person's car is nearby.
01:41:32 They can quickly shelter inside that car.
01:41:35 How about learning some safety tips to avoid purse snatching?
01:41:38 Firstly, don't carry a shoulder bag over your shoulder.
01:41:42 I know, I know.
01:41:43 It's what the bag is designed for.
01:41:45 But this makes it easier for a thief to grab your bag.
01:41:48 For example, carrying a small clutch-type handbag underneath your arm is safer.
01:41:54 Shopping with someone else is safer than shopping alone.
01:41:57 On shopping days, and in general, don't carry more money than you would possibly need for
01:42:01 all your credit cards in the same purse.
01:42:04 Carry only what you need for the day.
01:42:06 You might think, "It's just for a sec," but don't leave your purse in shopping carts
01:42:10 or on counters.
01:42:13 And there's the matter of scams.
01:42:15 When you believe you can't be scammed, you might let yourself be more vulnerable to scammers.
01:42:21 Scams target everyone, from all backgrounds, ages, and incomes.
01:42:24 They can catch you off guard and when you're not expecting it, using new technologies,
01:42:28 products, or even services to hook you, to either give them your money or personal details.
01:42:34 How to be scam-proof?
01:42:35 Firstly, keep in mind that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
01:42:40 Secondly, don't respond to calls about your computer asking for remote access, even if
01:42:45 they mention a well-known company.
01:42:48 Scammers will often ask you to turn on your computer to fix a problem or install a free
01:42:52 upgrade.
01:42:53 This is actually a virus to get your passwords and personal details.
01:42:57 Lastly, pay attention to unusual payment requests.
01:43:01 Scammers will often ask you to use an unusual payment method like a pre-loaded debit card,
01:43:06 gift card, or iTunes card.
01:43:10 A carjacker and a slice of cheese.
01:43:12 What connection can there be?
01:43:14 Imagine you walk to your car and see melted cheese on the engine cap.
01:43:18 You initially thought that it was probably some kind of a prank, so you begin to clean
01:43:22 the cheese.
01:43:23 Naturally, it takes ages under the hot sun.
01:43:26 Pay attention to your surroundings.
01:43:29 Someone might be watching you from a distance and waiting for the right time.
01:43:33 They can just jump into your car and run away while you're not looking at the driver's door.
01:43:37 Busy cleaning the cheese near the passenger side.
01:43:41 Did you know that you might have an extra key in your car?
01:43:44 Some cars have valet keys hidden under the owner's manual or in the tool kit in the trunk.
01:43:49 If your car has that spare pair, take it out immediately.
01:43:53 If you know where it is, thieves will know it too.
01:43:56 Plus, don't think you have a perfect hiding spot for your spare keys.
01:44:00 Car thieves know where to look.
01:44:02 For example, some people hide the extra key under the bumper or beneath the floor mat.
01:44:07 Thieves routinely check those places as well.
01:44:11 Speaking of car theft, now might be a good time to talk about the habits and strategies
01:44:16 of car burglars.
01:44:18 They don't really go for wide open and visible locations like in front of houses and driveways.
01:44:23 Dark and secluded places such as apartment buildings, carports, and underground parking
01:44:28 garages appeal to them because it's quieter.
01:44:31 He could hear if somebody was coming.
01:44:34 Have you heard of vehicle identification number, aka VIN?
01:44:39 This is a unique number for every car out there.
01:44:42 You can engrave the VIN on your car windows.
01:44:44 This makes your car less valuable on the black market for its parts.
01:44:48 Plus, changing the car windows costs quite a lot, so crooks try to avoid such cars.
01:44:54 Overall, it's better not to be an inviting easy target.
01:44:58 So, do you have some real-life stories about all these?
01:45:07 It happens every 43.8 seconds.
01:45:10 I'm talking about car theft in the USA.
01:45:12 Yep, every minute someone loses their precious vehicle to crooks.
01:45:17 If you want to learn more about these heartbreaking stats, here you go.
01:45:21 Over 800,000 car thefts were reported in the US in 2020 alone, and Ford pickups win the
01:45:28 award for the crook's choice since it was the one most frequently stolen.
01:45:33 Also, New Year's Day had the most thefts.
01:45:37 Seems like we all need to keep an eye out for our cars.
01:45:41 First things first, it's very unlikely that someone may steal your car while you're on
01:45:45 the move.
01:45:46 Once you park it, it gets way easier.
01:45:49 So, you need to park responsibly.
01:45:51 Yeah, sometimes you might need to walk a bit more, but it's worth it if it means leaving
01:45:56 your car in a well-lit place.
01:46:00 Improperly parked cars are often taken away by tow trucks.
01:46:04 Turns out, not all of them are real.
01:46:06 So should you ever see one near your car, check whether it's real or fake.
01:46:12 A real tow truck should at least have some branding on it, and its crew should be wearing
01:46:16 a uniform.
01:46:19 Remember I told you it's not that easy to steal your car while you're on the move?
01:46:23 Sorry, but that's only partially true.
01:46:27 Carjackers don't really care about the fact that you're sitting in your car.
01:46:30 The trick here is simple.
01:46:32 Even if you're inside your vehicle, always make sure to lock your doors.
01:46:37 Carjackers often have shady schemes of how to lure car owners out of their vehicles.
01:46:41 They may even set up a trap and sort of stage a car accident.
01:46:45 So even if you see that your car has been bumped from behind, don't rush out of it instantly
01:46:50 to check on it.
01:46:52 Just wait a little bit to pull over.
01:46:54 Make sure the place where you stop is safe and there are people around you.
01:46:58 In case you get suspicious, it's better to call the police.
01:47:03 If you're ready to shell out some money to protect your car, here's some info.
01:47:08 You can install a remote car starter.
01:47:11 It's not just a great thing for those who live in colder climates and who need to start
01:47:14 their car beforehand.
01:47:16 Its main advantage is that you can't drive away with a car started like this, since this
01:47:21 mode doesn't allow you to shift gears.
01:47:25 Any car has a vehicle identification number, or simply VIN.
01:47:29 This one may seem pointless, but here's a trick.
01:47:33 When thieves sell a stolen car, they do VIN switching.
01:47:37 That's when they want to disguise a stolen vehicle and use another VIN from a similar
01:47:41 car.
01:47:42 But if you etch your VIN on each window of your vehicle, crooks will instantly see that
01:47:48 you're interested in protecting your car.
01:47:50 Plus, such a vehicle will seem spoiled for them.
01:47:54 After all, they'd have to do the VIN switching, plus they'd have to come up with a plan on
01:47:58 how to fix the windows as they have the VIN etched on them.
01:48:02 They'll probably need to change the windows altogether, and that's pricey.
01:48:06 So reselling such a car would appear too time-consuming for crooks, and they aren't willing to put
01:48:12 in that much effort.
01:48:13 Come on, these guys don't even work.
01:48:15 They're way too lazy to deal with those windows.
01:48:18 By the way, some specialists can do this etching for you, so you don't have to deal with it
01:48:23 yourself.
01:48:27 By the way, if you want to buy a used car, a VIN can help you a lot.
01:48:32 Some cars are sort of "cloned," which means their VIN isn't real, but was simply added
01:48:37 to the plate manually.
01:48:39 So you have to check all the documentation before buying a used car.
01:48:43 Pay special attention to the DVLA V5 documents, and make sure that the VIN there coincides
01:48:49 with the VIN on the vehicle.
01:48:53 Here's another protection gadget.
01:48:55 It's called a Smart Car Alarm, and its sound is even nastier than the sound of an alarm
01:48:59 clock.
01:49:00 It can do two things.
01:49:02 First, it makes a super loud sound that can both scare away intruders and attract witnesses.
01:49:08 Second, it can send you an alert in case you somehow don't hear the deafening sound it
01:49:13 makes.
01:49:16 There's another secret mechanism that can protect your car.
01:49:19 You can install an emergency stop button that you can wire to the ignition, battery, fuel
01:49:24 line, you name it.
01:49:26 When you get out of the car, you simply need to flip the switch.
01:49:30 And if crooks steal your keys somehow, it won't help them.
01:49:33 They need to find the switch to start the car first, and it's up to you where to hide
01:49:38 that switch.
01:49:40 We all know that the more security you have in your car, the better.
01:49:44 Crooks don't like to mess with technologies, and the statistics prove it.
01:49:48 Tesla, along with other high-tech cars, were the least stolen ones over the last few years.
01:49:54 However, modern doesn't mean safe and crook-proof.
01:49:58 Many cool vehicles have engine management diagnostic ports.
01:50:02 Sounds super convenient, but there's a downside.
01:50:06 These ports can help unlock and even start the vehicle.
01:50:10 So if your car has such a feature, consider getting a lockable cover.
01:50:16 Always check whether you've closed the windows before leaving your car.
01:50:20 Even the smallest gap is enough for a crook to open the door and steal the car.
01:50:24 Yeah, don't tell me it's obvious.
01:50:26 I somehow see cars with open windows every single day.
01:50:31 If a crook really wants to, they can simply smash a window with a heavy object or even
01:50:36 a rock.
01:50:37 See what I'm driving at?
01:50:39 Try not to make crooks want to open your car.
01:50:42 That means there shouldn't be any valuables visible.
01:50:45 So please, no laptops or purses on the front seat.
01:50:49 Hide them in the trunk or take them with you.
01:50:51 There are many options.
01:50:53 But don't show thieves that there's something they can steal from your car.
01:50:58 Keeping a spare key in the glove box isn't the best idea either.
01:51:03 Crooks know where to look for it.
01:51:04 It's really simple.
01:51:05 They've opened the car, which isn't that complicated, and they just open up the glove
01:51:10 box and they're free to drive.
01:51:14 So let's say you still keep your valuables in the car and the spare key in the glove
01:51:18 box because, you know, you like it that way.
01:51:22 Well, consider installing a steering wheel lock.
01:51:25 It's probably not that functional, but experts believe it's a working visual deterrent.
01:51:31 Remember how thieves are sort of lazy and don't want to mess with various gadgets?
01:51:35 Specialists claim that crooks are more likely to pass by a car that has a steering wheel
01:51:39 lock on it.
01:51:44 So even if a crook still wants to drive your car away, they won't be able to.
01:51:48 Plus, it's not that easy to remove it.
01:51:52 Now for the most obvious tip.
01:51:54 It's CCTV.
01:51:56 There's a variety of such cameras today.
01:51:58 They have night vision modes, people detection functions, and really high resolution.
01:52:03 Literally anything you might need.
01:52:05 A real camera can help you watch your car 24/7.
01:52:09 But in case you don't feel like spending money on that, you can install a dummy and hope
01:52:14 that the thieves won't figure it out.
01:52:17 Okay, let's imagine the worst.
01:52:20 Someone ignored all of these simple tips and got their car stolen.
01:52:24 What should they do?
01:52:25 First, they need to provide all the information to the police.
01:52:29 So make sure you know the color.
01:52:30 I know, it's easy.
01:52:32 But please don't use complicated wording while describing the car color.
01:52:36 Like, it's not moss, but rather dark green.
01:52:40 You also need to know the year, make, and model.
01:52:43 Make sure you remember all these.
01:52:45 The police will also need to know your license plate number and VIN.
01:52:49 If you don't remember the VIN by heart, write a note on your phone just in case.
01:52:54 So you found your first gray hair, and you have a huge desire to pull it out and keep
01:52:59 it as a souvenir.
01:53:00 But the all-knowing grandma stops you from doing that, since everybody knows two new
01:53:05 hairs will grow in its place.
01:53:07 It's one of the most popular myths that have been going around for years.
01:53:12 When you pluck out a hair, the follicle still stays where it was, and it will produce a
01:53:17 substitute soon enough.
01:53:18 But it doesn't have the superpower to multiply, so you'll get just one new gray hair.
01:53:25 The new hair might even be darker, as the hair follicle might produce another pigment
01:53:29 this time.
01:53:30 If you go too far with plucking, though, you might no longer have any hair in that very
01:53:36 spot.
01:53:37 Are you afraid of using your cell phone at the gas pump, because it might cause an explosion?
01:53:43 Well, there hasn't been a single documented case of a phone giving off a static electrical
01:53:49 charge and causing a tragedy.
01:53:51 All the "No cell phone" signs at gas stations are a precaution.
01:53:56 Electronic materials aren't welcome there, because they might cause static electricity
01:54:01 and be a source of danger.
01:54:03 Plus, you should be 100% alert whenever you're driving.
01:54:07 Chatting or texting while fueling up might cause some bad consequences, like driving
01:54:12 away with a gas pump in your car.
01:54:15 A viral video made millions of people believe that if you see a wire tied to your car door
01:54:21 handle, you gotta call the police immediately.
01:54:24 According to the author, kidnappers use this trick to distract you and then go after you.
01:54:30 In reality, there have been no officially recorded cases of anyone getting kidnapped
01:54:35 this way.
01:54:36 This urban legend must come from a 2015 Facebook post which mentioned the wire trick and was
01:54:41 debunked soon after it came out.
01:54:44 The idea lived on, though, and keeps resurfacing.
01:54:49 It does make sense to look after yourself and follow some simple rules that will let
01:54:54 you stay safe on the road anyway.
01:54:57 You might want to learn some self-defense, park in well-lit areas, and always look around
01:55:02 for suspicious things and people before you get in the car.
01:55:06 Also remember that a lot of similar myths and urban legends are only created to grab
01:55:11 your attention and get their authors some likes and shares.
01:55:15 If you add brown sugar to your coffee, confident that it's healthier than the white option,
01:55:20 it's probably not the best idea.
01:55:23 Brown sugar does contain some minerals, but the amount of them is so tiny that it can't
01:55:28 really benefit your health.
01:55:29 Otherwise, it has the same amount of calories and nutritional value as the white sugar.
01:55:35 The only difference is in color, flavor, and the manufacturing process.
01:55:41 Brown sugar doesn't go through that much chemical processing.
01:55:44 So if you're trying to cut your calories, it doesn't really matter which of the sugar
01:55:48 types you add to your food.
01:55:52 When you press the snooze button in the morning, you're not actually going to get those extra
01:55:57 10 minutes of sleep.
01:55:58 It does feel good to postpone getting up, but the snooze button makes you feel more
01:56:02 tired instead of providing you with extra rest.
01:56:06 You have your own biological sleep cycle that adjusts to your schedule.
01:56:12 When you wake up and instantly fall asleep again, your brain gets confused, which is
01:56:16 why it will get harder and harder for you to get up when the alarm rings for the second
01:56:21 or fifth time.
01:56:23 In the long run, the snooze button may mess with your ability to get high-quality deep
01:56:28 sleep.
01:56:31 Another popular sleep myth is that you swallow up 8 spiders every night without knowing.
01:56:37 Relax, you don't swallow any spiders at all.
01:56:40 To them, you look like a giant, or rather a mountain in the landscape.
01:56:45 Any sounds you produce while sleeping, like breathing or your heartbeat, are super scary
01:56:50 to them.
01:56:51 So all they want to do is stay as far away from you as they can.
01:56:57 This myth went global after a magazine article that mentioned people easily believe anything
01:57:02 they see online.
01:57:03 Well, the article was right, after all.
01:57:07 You don't really have to wait 30 minutes or longer to swim after lunch.
01:57:12 This myth has been around for more than a century, as it was a rule published in the
01:57:17 1908 Boy Scout Handbook.
01:57:20 It said that swimming sooner than 90 minutes after food could lead to very dangerous consequences.
01:57:26 It made many people believe that because digestion diverts blood flow from the muscles to the
01:57:31 stomach, swimming could prevent the blood flow to the stomach, give you cramps and even
01:57:36 make you drown.
01:57:38 In reality, extra blood goes to the stomach, but it doesn't affect your arms or legs.
01:57:44 Food might even be good for your swim, as it will provide you with extra energy.
01:57:49 And don't forget to take enough water with it to stay hydrated.
01:57:54 Diamonds are super expensive because they are so rare, right?
01:57:57 It turns out they aren't as rare as we're made to believe.
01:58:01 Rubies, emeralds and sapphires are much rarer and far more expensive than diamonds.
01:58:08 Scientists have even found a way to create artificial diamonds, making their production
01:58:14 rather easy.
01:58:15 So that price people are willing to pay is a result of a super successful marketing campaign
01:58:21 from over a century ago.
01:58:24 The company that mined and sold diamonds spread myths about these gems around the world.
01:58:30 They convinced everyone on the planet that diamonds are so rare that the price is reasonable.
01:58:35 Plus, they've turned these rocks into a symbol of love and engagement.
01:58:42 Movies made us believe all dinosaurs were huge dangerous lizards, but in reality there
01:58:48 were all kinds of dino species.
01:58:51 Some of them weren't much bigger than a cat or a golden retriever.
01:58:55 It looks like those smaller species were more numerous than their big relatives.
01:59:00 Plus, some dinos, like T-Rex, were even covered with feathers, especially in the early stages
01:59:06 of their lives.
01:59:08 The deeper you go inside the ocean, the darker it gets until there is no light at all.
01:59:14 The colors change from blue-green close to the surface to more intense blues and then
01:59:19 down to indigo blue and total blackness.
01:59:23 Well, sunlight penetrate deep waters weakly, so technically below 3200 feet there is officially
01:59:31 no light.
01:59:32 But there is another type of light down there.
01:59:35 It's all about blue and green luminescence.
01:59:38 It generates light thanks to an enzyme called luciferase.
01:59:42 It breaks down high-energy molecules and produces photons and bacteria and some deep sea fish
01:59:48 bodies.
01:59:51 It seems logical that summers are so warm because our planet gets closer to the sun,
01:59:56 and winters are so cold because the Earth gets as far from our star as it can be.
02:00:01 Yet, it's another popular myth.
02:00:04 When it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere, our planet isn't actually closer to the
02:00:08 sun.
02:00:09 It's the opposite.
02:00:10 The Earth is at its farthest point from the sun during July and at its closest point during
02:00:15 January.
02:00:17 Summer is warm because the axis of our planet is tilted.
02:00:21 During its orbit, the Earth's tilt allows energy coming from the sun to hit us more
02:00:26 directly because the angle is steeper.
02:00:30 The asteroid belt isn't as dangerous as blockbuster made us believe.
02:00:35 If you were to travel through, it wouldn't be a flight through a dense and chaotic field
02:00:39 of rocks smashing into each other.
02:00:41 The asteroid belt is a zone that's 200 million or 300 million miles away from the sun.
02:00:48 It's a very isolated and lonely void with much space in between.
02:00:52 If you pulled all those asteroids from that belt together, you'd get a mass that's
02:00:57 around 4% of our moon.
02:01:00 That's why astronauts get really excited when they see just one asteroid smashing into
02:01:05 another one.
02:01:06 Otherwise, space is not that eventful.
02:01:13 A slice of cheese isn't something you'd expect to find on your parked car.
02:01:17 As hilarious as it seems, it might indicate something quite dangerous.
02:01:21 One woman detailed such a story online.
02:01:24 At first, she thought she had been pranked by some neighborhood kid.
02:01:28 She decided to call a friend and ask for help with cleaning the car.
02:01:31 But once the two ladies started removing the melted cheese, they noticed something strange
02:01:35 two parking spots down from them.
02:01:37 They remembered seeing a white van arriving.
02:01:40 In it, there was a bunch of men staring at them.
02:01:44 Since she wasn't alone, the woman decided to finish cleaning the car.
02:01:48 Even though the ladies didn't feel comfortable being watched, it took them almost an hour
02:01:52 to scrape off the cheese that had already been melted under the heat of the sun.
02:01:56 She did wonder, though, if this wasn't a tactic to rob a person.
02:01:59 Because most people would be so focused on cleaning up the mess on their car that they
02:02:03 would be too distracted to keep an eye on their belongings.
02:02:06 Or worse, what if it was a kidnapping strategy since you wouldn't be able to see suspicious
02:02:11 people coming at you in due course?
02:02:13 She went on to recommend, "If you ever see a piece of cheese on your car, just leave
02:02:17 it.
02:02:18 Your safest bet is to scrub it off at home or to take your vehicle to the nearest car
02:02:22 wash.
02:02:23 You'll know the best way to remove it without ruining the paint."
02:02:26 The slice of cheese may have easily been a coincidence, but some scams out there are
02:02:31 even more imaginative.
02:02:33 If you notice a piece of clothing on your windshield or wrapped between your wiper blades,
02:02:37 don't hurry to take it away.
02:02:38 Again, it can be strategically placed there to distract you while your car gets taken
02:02:42 away.
02:02:43 The best option is to drive away as quickly as possible and get to a safe location.
02:02:48 It should be well-lit and populated.
02:02:50 Then you can safely remove the objects placed on your car.
02:02:53 Some people have even found money under their wipers.
02:02:56 It was probably placed there with the same intent in mind.
02:03:00 Here's a method some people swear by when it comes to decreasing the odds of getting
02:03:04 your car snatched away.
02:03:06 Keep the tires turned toward the curb when parked.
02:03:09 That's because when your car wheels are positioned like that, thieves are less likely to be able
02:03:13 to maneuver the vehicle.
02:03:15 This way, your car will require more time and energy to be moved, and it will less likely
02:03:20 become the focus of theft.
02:03:23 Another woman remembered finding a napkin under her car door handle at one point.
02:03:27 But at that time, she didn't think much of it.
02:03:29 She removed it and went on with her day.
02:03:31 However, a couple of hours later, she ended up in a hospital, complaining about pain in
02:03:36 her hand and shortness of breath.
02:03:38 Doctors figured out she had been poisoned with an unknown substance.
02:03:43 Unfortunately, scams are becoming more and more common these days, with online ones topping
02:03:48 the list.
02:03:49 You may be the subject of a phishing scam, for example, when you receive an email from
02:03:53 someone who seems familiar.
02:03:55 It might be your accountant, someone from work, or a retailer you often buy from.
02:04:00 But if you look closely at the email address, you'll easily notice that something is off.
02:04:05 It might just be one edited letter or a name spelled differently.
02:04:08 These types of emails can ask various things from you, anything from private information
02:04:13 such as addresses and passwords to payment requests.
02:04:17 Others offer coupons or gift cards.
02:04:19 If you click on a certain website, it may actually hack your computer.
02:04:23 This is probably the most common online scam these days.
02:04:27 Authorities claim that over 114,700 people fell victim to it in 2019.
02:04:33 Their losses were estimated at roughly $57.8 million.
02:04:38 Then there are fake shopping websites.
02:04:41 To make sure you're always on the right one, check the URL carefully.
02:04:44 If the website reads amazon.com with a zero, you're obviously not in the right place, and
02:04:49 you're probably about to get scammed.
02:04:52 You can buy something from these websites, but the chances are you'll be receiving nothing,
02:04:56 or the best-case scenario, a fake item.
02:05:00 Ever heard of formjacking?
02:05:02 It happens when a retailer gets hacked, and once you've finished adding things to your
02:05:06 cart during a shopping session, you're actually redirected to a fraudulent payment page.
02:05:10 The scammer then has access to your payment information, like your name, address, and
02:05:15 credit card details.
02:05:16 To always be on the safe side, double-check the URL of the payment page before entering
02:05:21 any sensitive information.
02:05:24 Tech support scams are even more creative.
02:05:27 With this one, you might even receive a phone call saying that your computer is infected
02:05:30 with a dangerous virus, which may damage your device or destroy all the information stored
02:05:35 on it.
02:05:36 The scammer may then ask you to download an application that will give them access to
02:05:40 your computer, even if they're located on the other side of the world.
02:05:45 Then they'll download an actual virus on the computer to confirm their lie.
02:05:49 It makes people think there's indeed something wrong with the computer.
02:05:52 The next and final step?
02:05:54 Asking for a fee to fix it.
02:05:56 If you suspect your device might be compromised, always reach out to a trusted tech support
02:06:00 or retailer.
02:06:02 These types of businesses will never contact you out of the blue.
02:06:06 This scam tends to appeal to people's emotions, targeting mostly the older generation.
02:06:11 That's why it's also dubbed the "grandparent scam."
02:06:14 The targeted senior will most likely receive a phone call from a distressed person, claiming
02:06:18 they're a grandchild or a close relative.
02:06:21 The fraudster will then proceed to ask for money for various things, like to get out
02:06:25 of jail, to be able to leave a foreign country, or to cover a hospital bill.
02:06:30 Grandparent scams are really on the rise these days.
02:06:33 In 2017, the losses from such scams added up to $26 million.
02:06:38 But in 2018, they almost doubled, reaching $41 million.
02:06:42 If you find yourself in a similar situation, try not to act immediately.
02:06:47 Ask the person for some information that could help you verify their identity.
02:06:51 Also it might be a good idea to double-check with another family member before sending
02:06:55 money to a stranger.
02:06:57 The Google Voice scam is as easy as it is efficient.
02:07:01 For scammers, of course.
02:07:02 Here's what you should look out for.
02:07:04 You might have posted your phone number on some website for various reasons.
02:07:08 Maybe you're looking to sell something or offering to perform a service.
02:07:11 The fraudsters will pick up on this information and rapidly call you, asking to verify if
02:07:16 you aren't a scammer yourself.
02:07:18 Talk about reverse psychology.
02:07:20 You'll be asked to pass on a Google verification code.
02:07:24 In reality, a Google Voice account is being set up in your name.
02:07:28 Fraudsters can go on with their scams and pretend to be you while doing it.
02:07:32 Using the newly created account.
02:07:34 Rule number one, never share verification codes with anyone.
02:07:39 Online resumes aren't safe either, as they can offer personal information to scammers.
02:07:44 They will try to contact you, pretending to be recruiters.
02:07:48 Some might even take the time to conduct a job interview.
02:07:51 Most of them pretend to offer high-paying positions, which you'll obviously be inclined
02:07:55 to accept.
02:07:57 But here's the catch.
02:07:58 Before they can offer you the documents for employment, you'll be asked for money for
02:08:01 some participation fee, or even for your future home office setup.
02:08:06 To make sure you're always on the safe side, create a different email address, which you'll
02:08:10 only use for job hunting.
02:08:12 This way, you can keep your personal email unlisted and safe from any unwanted online
02:08:17 scams.
02:08:19 Always ask recruiters to confirm the information you've heard on the phone via email too.
02:08:23 If it's a company you're familiar with, you can also reach out to their HR department
02:08:27 to confirm that what you're asked to do is according to their policy.

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