When we think about crime, we often picture dramatic scenarios like home break-ins or muggings in dark alleys. But the reality is that most modern criminals are opportunists who thrive in places where we let our guard down. They look for moments of distraction in the most mundane, everyday locations to steal our wallets, our data, and our peace of mind. These criminals rely on your assumption of safety. By becoming aware of these common hotspots, you can take simple steps to protect yourself. Being vigilant in the places criminals target most is your best defense.
Here are 10 everyday locations where you need to be extra aware of your surroundings.
1. The Gas Station Pump
While you’re focused on filling your tank, criminals are busy. They may install illegal credit card skimmers inside the pump’s card reader to steal your financial data. These devices are often indistinguishable from the real thing. Another common tactic is for a thief to sneak up on the passenger side of your car and snatch a purse or phone from the seat while you’re looking the other way. Always pay with a credit card (which has better fraud protection), choose the pump closest to the building, and keep your car doors locked.
2. The Grocery Store Checkout Line
The checkout line is a prime spot for “shoulder surfing.” A criminal can stand behind you and subtly watch you enter your PIN for your debit card or even take a quick photo of your credit card as you take it out of your wallet. Another risk is purse snatching from the shopping cart. Many people, especially parents with young children, leave their purse unattended in the cart’s child seat, making it an easy target for a thief to grab and walk away with while you’re busy unloading your groceries.
3. Your Own Mailbox
Your mailbox is a treasure trove of personal information for identity thieves. They can steal pre-approved credit card offers, bank statements, and even tax documents. The red flag on an unlocked, curbside mailbox is an open invitation for thieves to see that you have outgoing mail, which might contain a check with your account and routing numbers. To protect yourself, use a locking mailbox and drop off sensitive mail, especially checks, directly at the post office.
4. The Public Wi-Fi at a Coffee Shop
Free public Wi-Fi is a convenience we all use, but it’s incredibly insecure. Hackers can set up their own malicious Wi-Fi hotspots with a name similar to the coffee shop’s (e.g., “Coffeehouse_Guest_Wi-Fi”). If you connect to it, they can intercept all of your internet traffic, capturing passwords, bank account details, and other sensitive information. Avoid doing any banking or online shopping on public Wi-Fi, and always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for an added layer of security.
5. The ATM Machine
Like gas pumps, ATMs are a favorite target for skimmers that steal your card information and tiny pinhole cameras that record you entering your PIN. Before using an ATM, give the card reader a gentle tug to see if it’s a fake overlay. Always cover the keypad with your other hand when you enter your PIN to block any hidden cameras. Try to use ATMs that are inside a bank or in a well-lit, high-traffic area, as these are less likely to be tampered with.
6. The Parking Garage
Parking garages offer criminals a combination of anonymity and cover. Poor lighting and the presence of many columns and parked cars create numerous hiding spots. Criminals may wait for a person walking alone to their car to rob them, or they may simply go from car to car, looking for valuables left in plain sight. Always be aware of your surroundings, have your keys in your hand before you get to your car, and never leave items like laptops, briefcases, or shopping bags visible inside.
7. The Doctor’s Office Waiting Room
You feel safe in a medical setting, but waiting rooms can be a hotspot for theft. People are often distracted, filling out paperwork, or focused on their upcoming appointment. It’s a perfect time for a thief to casually pick up a wallet left on an adjacent chair or a smartphone that’s charging unattended. You also publicly state your name and date of birth to the receptionist, information that can be overheard by someone looking to commit identity fraud. Keep your belongings on your lap at all times.
8. The Self-Service Kiosk at a Restaurant
Self-service ordering kiosks at fast-food restaurants are convenient, but they carry the same risks as ATMs and gas pumps. They are public-facing devices where criminals could potentially install skimmers or use shoulder surfing to steal your payment information. Whenever possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card, and be aware of anyone standing too close to you as you complete your order. Using contactless payment (tapping your card or phone) is often a safer option.
9. The Dressing Room at a Clothing Store
When you go into a dressing room to try on clothes, what do you do with your purse or wallet? Most people leave them on the bench or hang them on the hook, out of their direct line of sight. Professional thieves are known to reach over or under the dressing room doors to quickly snatch wallets or phones while a person is preoccupied. Never leave your valuables unattended in a dressing room; either keep them with you or leave them with a trusted person outside.
10. The Library Computer Station
Libraries offer free computer access, but they can be risky for your personal data. Criminals can install keylogging software on public computers, which records every keystroke you make, including usernames and passwords for your email and bank accounts. After you leave, the thief can retrieve this information. Never access any sensitive personal accounts on a public computer. Use them for general web browsing only, and always remember to log out of any accounts you do use.
Stay Alert to Protect Your Personal Security
The common thread among all these scenarios is a momentary lapse in awareness. Criminals are experts at exploiting these moments. By cultivating a habit of situational awareness and taking small, preventive measures, you can dramatically reduce your risk. You don’t need to be paranoid, just prepared. Knowing the common places criminals target is the first step in making sure you don’t become their next victim.
What’s one simple habit you follow to protect yourself in public places?
Read more:
5 Innocent Places Women Are Now Being Targeted—and Why No Ones Talking About It
10 Things Every Woman Should Know About Protecting Her Identity
Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.