How Common Is Phrogging and Why You Should Be Concerned

Ever wondered if someone could be living in your home without you knowing? Discover how common is phrogging and what you can do to ensure your home stays yours—and yours alone.
how common is phrogging?

Phrogging, or when someone secretly lives in your home without you knowing, is more common than people think. It’s a scary thought — someone hiding in your space, eating your food, or even staying unnoticed for weeks. Many homeowners and renters don’t realize the risks until it happens to them. 

So, let’s get into how common is phrogging, why it’s a problem, and how you can protect yourself. With the right awareness, you can keep your home safe and avoid this unsettling experience.

First Off, Let’s Talk About How Common Is Phrogging?

Phrogging happens more often than people think. While it might not make headlines every day, cases like this do show up in the news

Source: New York Post

Many times, people don’t even realize it’s happening, or they only find out much later. This makes it hard to know exactly how common is phrogging, but it’s clear that it’s a growing problem.

Phrogging is more likely to happen in big cities or busy neighborhoods. In apartments or houses where people come and go a lot, it’s easier for someone to sneak in unnoticed. It’s also common in homes with basements, attics, or extra rooms that aren’t used everyday. Some people who phrog are just looking for a place to stay, like a homeless person, while others plan it out because they know the home has spaces where they can hide.

A lot of people only discover phrogging after they notice strange things happening — like food disappearing, hearing odd noises, or finding things moved around. 

The Stomach-Churning Case of Daniel LaPlante is a good example of how common is phrogging. In 1986, Tina Bowen and her father were tormented by strange happenings in their Massachusetts home. 

Source: All That’s Interesting

Cryptic messages written in ketchup appeared on walls, items were rearranged, and food went missing. The terror reached its peak when they discovered Daniel LaPlante, a teenager Tina had briefly dated, hiding in their crawl space. Dressed in a ninja mask, with a hatchet in hand, LaPlante had been living there for weeks, tormenting the family.

After being arrested, LaPlante was released on bail but went on to commit an even more horrifying crime. In December 1987, he broke into the home of teacher Priscilla Gustafson. When she and her children returned early, LaPlante murdered Priscilla and drowned her two young children in a brutal attack. He was arrested days later and convicted of murder, receiving three life sentences.

Even though it’s hard to find how common is phrogging, stories like Daniel LaPlante are everywhere. 

But let’s not go back to the 90s. Let’s discuss a more recent incident someone shared on Reddit.

Someone shared a story about their friend who ran a volunteer-operated bookstore. Late one night, something spooked her enough to call the police. What they discovered was shocking—a volunteer had been secretly living in the store’s crawl space for months.

While this incident might seem like something out of a thriller, it’s a reminder that phrogging, while not overly common, can happen anywhere, even in places where trust and community are the foundation.

It leaves a lingering sense of unease and raises the question—how often do we really know who we’re sharing our spaces with?

Source:Reddit

Why You Should Be Concerned

So, we’ve talked about how often phrogging happens. Here’s why you should be worried about it. 

It Puts Your Safety at Risk

EMBED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NaMT7uyUpU

One of the biggest concerns about phrogging is personal safety. When someone secretly lives in your home, they have access to your personal space, belongings, and routines. This leads to dangerous situations. In some cases, phroggers have stolen from homeowners, caused property damage, or even become violent when discovered.

Your home should be a place where you feel safe. Phrogging violates that trust and creates an environment of fear and uncertainty. 

It Can Cause Financial Damage

Phroggers often take advantage of their hidden access to food, utilities, and personal belongings. They even leave behind damage to your property, such as broken locks, holes in walls, or other costly repairs. 

In extreme cases, their actions lead to more significant financial losses, like stolen valuables or increased utility bills.

Repairing these damages and restoring your home is expensive and stressful. And this financial burden adds another layer of difficulty to an already traumatic experience.

It Violates Your Privacy

Phrogging is an extreme invasion of privacy. The thought of someone watching your every move, listening to your conversations, or even using your belongings without permission is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. This violation often leaves people feeling unsafe in their own homes — even after the phrogger has been removed.

For families, this loss of privacy is particularly upsetting, especially if children or vulnerable individuals are involved. The emotional impact can linger for a long time, making it hard to fully regain. 

Steps to Prevent Phrogging

If you want to reduce phrogging frequency, here are the steps you can take. 

Install Security Cameras

One of the most effective ways to prevent phrogging is by installing security cameras. Cameras act as a deterrent, making it less likely for someone to sneak into your home. They also help you monitor unusual activity in real-time, especially in less frequently used areas like attics, basements, or crawl spaces.

Many cases of phrogging have been uncovered thanks to camera footage. 

This shows how valuable it is to keep an eye on hidden spaces where someone might try to hide. Plus, modern security cameras are affordable, easy to install, and can connect directly to your smartphone for instant alerts.

Secure All Entry Points

Phroggers often enter homes through unlocked doors, windows, or hidden entry points. Make it a habit to lock all doors and windows, even when you’re at home. Check areas like basement windows, garage doors, or side entrances, as these are common spots phroggers target.

Upgrading to smart locks or installing window sensors can also provide extra protection. These devices alert you if someone tries to tamper with your home’s entry points, which gives you peace of mind and prevents how common is phrogging. 

Regularly Check Hidden Spaces

Phroggers stay in places that aren’t often used, like attics, basements, or spare rooms. Make it a habit to inspect these areas regularly. Look for signs like disturbed dust, moved items, or any unusual smells that could indicate someone is living there.

If you’re away from home for long periods, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check your property. Phrogging statistics show that empty homes or properties left unchecked are more likely to be targeted.

Use Motion Sensors and Alarms

Motion-sensing lights and alarms is the best way to prevent how common is phrogging. Lights that turn on automatically when they detect movement scare off anyone trying to hide or sneak into your property. Similarly, alarms set to trigger if someone enters certain areas, like your attic or basement, alert you immediately.

These systems are widely available and easy to set up. They work especially well as an added layer of security alongside cameras and locks.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Pay attention to what’s happening around your home. Strange noises, missing items, or small disturbances can all be warning signs of phrogging. Take these signs seriously and investigate them thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it — I’ve covered how common is phrogging and why you should be concerned. Basically, phrogging is more common than most people realize, and it’s not something to ignore. The thought of someone secretly living in your home is unsettling, but being proactive can help keep your space safe. 

Locking doors, checking hidden areas, and using cameras are simple but important steps.

Your home should always feel like a safe place. Knowing the risks and staying prepared gives you peace of mind. 

Table of Contents
Scroll to Top