How to Spot and Stop Physical Social Engineers

Nowadays, it's easy to forget that some scammers still prefer the hands-on approach to stealing your information. Physical social engineering isn't just for the movies—it's happening in everyday settings, from college campuses to local coffee shops and even at your front door. Here's how to keep your guard up against these real-life tricksters.

 

Understanding Physical Social Engineering

Physical social engineering is the art of manipulating people face-to-face to gain unauthorized access or information. This could be as simple as someone peering over your shoulder at the ATM or as complex as someone faking an injury to gain access to your home.

 

Common Scenarios 

The Friendly Student on Campus: Someone posing as a fellow student might ask to borrow your laptop to check an email or send a document quickly. While it seems innocent, this could be a ploy to install malware or steal personal information. 

The Distressed Stranger: A classic tactic involves someone pretending to have a flat tire or a phone that’s out of battery, asking to use your phone or for help at your house. This scenario plays on sympathy to lower your guard. 

The Eavesdropper in Public Spaces: Whether it’s a coffee shop or a public library, shoulder surfers can easily glimpse your personal information. Be wary of prying eyes when you're entering passwords or viewing sensitive data. 

 

How to Protect Yourself

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be mindful of what you’re doing in public spaces, especially when handling personal information. 

Set Boundaries with Strangers: It’s okay to say no or ask someone to wait while you get help. Whether it’s someone asking for a quick phone call or a stranger needing directions, keep your distance and your personal devices to yourself. 

Secure Your Personal Belongings: Always keep personal belongings like phones, laptops, and bags within sight, and never leave them unattended in public areas. 

 

Use Privacy Screens: If you frequently work in public places, consider using a privacy screen on your laptop or phone to prevent shoulder surfing. 

 

Conclusion: An Ounce of Prevention 

The best defense against physical social engineering is a good dose of skepticism. In a world where being polite can sometimes open doors to threats, it’s essential to maintain a balance between helpfulness and caution. Keep your personal space secure and trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. 

Stay cautious, stay secure! 
 

More tips:   

• If you receive a suspicious call or text, please call us at 888.336.2700 to confirm the message is truly from us.   
• Visit our Security and Fraud Protection page for more support.