There are an infinate number of lures an assailant can use. Here are a few of the most effective ones.
The following are just a few of the more common lures used to pull in an unsuspecting victim.
1. I have lost my child/dog - here is a picture.
One of the news stations in Houston asked parents if they could test their unknowing kids with this one. All the parent reported that their children knew not to speak or go with a stranger. On the news that night, the station reported that out of 40 odd children ages 4-16, each and every one of them went with the stranger to look for the lost dog.
2. A knock on the door: a woman asks to use your phone because her car has broken down. What most people that open the door to this lady in distress don't know is that there is a man hiding to the side, waiting to come in as well.
3. I'm with ___________utility/repair company. I'm here to check your ___________. This is a common ploy used against the elderly. So many times a uniform or a truck is seen and trust is automatically given. If they truly are with a utility company, they will not mind you calling to confirm employment.
4. A person is standing on the side of the road with an apparent broken down car. Motorist flags you down in need of "help."
5. A vehicle following you driving yours, blowing horn, yelling, gesturing towards yours. Coming up beside to tell you that your car's tires, bumper, something in loose or even that there is fire in the back. Victim pulls over to check it out and is often never seen again.
6. A person in a uniform comes up and says "Mrs. Jones, your mother, daughter, husband, son, etc. has been in an accident. Please come with me." This one is so believable when delivered by someone in uniform. Children and adults both fall for this one. For your children, agree on a secret password that only someone you actually sent could know.
7. In a parking lot, it is common to be approached for help in jump starting a car. Very often this is a legitimate need for help. For those other times, make a habit of saying "no, I can't help you, I will stop and ask security to come out."
8. One not uncommon in the Houston area, someone literally running your car off the road.
9. Selling products or service at a street corner.
10. Running up to break window while motorist is waiting for traffic light to change. Very common in the evening hours.
11. A staged wreck on a dark or rural road. Sometimes even a body is laid out on the road. Once you stop, it is possible the body will suddenly come back to life.
12. When running an ad in a newspaper, screen callers carefully and never agree to meet them alone. Never admit that there is no one else at home with you. This can be done by simply saying
"OK, my husband will be home at six to show you the car."
In Houston a few years ago, a woman in a nice neighborhood had an answer to a call about a piano she had for sale. When her husband came home, he found her murdered.
13. When at work, try to never admit to being the only one there. It is a well know fact that most offices are mostly empty during the lunch hours. Avoid admitting that the boss or office manager is out when some unknown person comes in asking for them.
These are types of lures strangers use. Acquaintances will have an infinite number of ploys. These are often more successful because an acquaintance already has a certain amount of established trust.
