I had just come home after a long and exhausting day at work. I was terribly tired – all I wanted was to take off my shoes, crash on the couch, and maybe even doze off for a bit. I walked up to the door as usual, automatically reaching for my keys… and then I noticed something strange.

There was a small coin stuck in the lock. Really tiny, almost invisible, but it clearly didn’t belong there. I live alone, and I definitely hadn’t left anything like that.

At first, I thought it was just a coincidence or someone’s dumb prank. But then a cold chill ran down my spine — what if it wasn’t random?

I quickly pulled my hand away from the door handle and did what instinct told me to do — I called the police. While waiting, I started frantically searching for information. And I found out something terrifying… If you ever see something like this, be careful More in the first comment

Turns out this is an old trick used by scammers and burglars.
They insert a coin (or a thin piece of plastic) between the door and the frame — usually near the lock.

The idea is simple: if you’re home, you’ll open and close the door, and the coin will fall out. But if it stays there for several days, it means no one is home — and the place becomes a burglary target.

It’s a quiet and almost invisible way for thieves to check whether someone is away on vacation or a business trip. That’s how they pick their “target.”

What you can do to protect yourself:

• Always check your locks and door edges, even if you live in a safe neighborhood.
• If you’re going away for a while, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your place.
• Install security cameras or at least a fake alarm system.
• Pay attention to small things near your door: paper, coins, strange marks.

I still don’t know if someone was really planning to break into my apartment… but ever since, I’ve been much more alert. And I suggest you do the same.

Check your locks. Today.