Phrogging Cases on Reddit: Real Stories from Inside the Walls

You scroll through Reddit late at night and come across a post that makes your skin crawl, “I think someone’s been living in my attic.” At first, it sounds fake. Or like someone trying to write a horror story. But then the details start to add up—missing food, strange sounds, things slightly out of place. And you realize… they’re serious.

So here are some of the most unbelievable (and totally real) phrogging cases on Reddit people have shared.

#1. The Case of Dolly Oesterreich

Image Source: Crime+Investigation UK

One of the most bizarre and well-known early cases of phrogging goes back nearly a century and involves a woman named Dolly Oesterreich. She lived with her husband in Los Angeles during the 1910s and 1920s — and kept a dark secret hidden just above his head.

Unknown to her husband, Dolly had moved her lover, Otto Sanhuber, into their attic. He lived there for years — yes, years — without ever being discovered. Otto would come down only when the husband was away, eat from their kitchen, and spend nights with Dolly… before quietly returning to his cramped hiding spot.

The husband had no idea another man was living in the same house, let alone with his wife. The truth only came out after the husband was murdered—and Otto was found to be the man responsible.

#2. The Boyfriend Under the Bed

Not all phrogging cases come from strangers — sometimes, they come from someone close.

Back in high school, during sophomore year, one girl secretly let her boyfriend live in her parents’ house for a few months. Her parents had no idea. While they were out working during the day, he stayed hidden. 

At night and on weekends, he’d go out, party, and then sneak back in — his hiding spot? Under her bed.

It all came crashing down one night when her mom bent down to grab what she thought was a towel halfway under the bed… only to realize someone was lying on it. Her boyfriend had fallen asleep and was discovered right there.

Surprisingly, the fallout wasn’t as dramatic as you’d expect. The girl and the guy stayed close, and even twenty years later, they’re still friends. He often says she helped him during a tough, messy time in his life — and while the whole situation was reckless, he’s grateful for what she did.

It might not be your typical phrogging case on Reddit, but it still fits the bill — someone secretly living in a home they weren’t supposed to be in… right under everyone’s noses.

#3. The Woman in the Air Duct – A NYC Studio Nightmare

One of the most disturbing modern phrogging stories took place in a New York City studio apartment — and it’s enough to make anyone double-check their ceiling vents.

The man living there had started to notice strange things happening around his home. Food would go missing overnight, cartons were left open, and things just felt… off. 

At first, he blamed his girlfriend, who occasionally stayed over. Maybe she was sleepwalking, he thought. Sleep-eating, even. But she denied it — and genuinely had no idea what was going on.

So, he decided to set up a hidden camera in the kitchen. What he caught on video wasn’t just surprising — it was terrifying.

The footage showed a woman quietly crawling out of the ceiling vent in the middle of the night. She slid down from the duct, moved through the apartment silently, and helped herself to food and drinks — straight from the fridge, even sipping milk right from the carton. 

Moments before the man entered the kitchen for a glass of water, she climbed back up and disappeared into the walls like she was never there. She’d been living in his air ducts — unnoticed, undetected, and terrifyingly close.

This is phrogging at its most disturbing: silent, invasive, and right above your head.

Conclusion 

Phrogging happens more often than people think. From strangers hiding in walls to old friends living under beds, these stories are real. The phrogging cases on Reddit give a glimpse into how easy it is for someone to secretly live inside a home. 

These stories are a reminder to stay aware of small changes — missing food, strange sounds, things out of place. Being careful and knowing what to look for can help stop something like this before it goes too far.

FAQs 

How common is phrogging?

Phrogging doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s real. While rare, stories have popped up online and in the news. Most people will never deal with it, but it’s still something worth being aware of, especially if you notice strange signs in your home.

Are phroggers real?

Yes, phroggers are real. A phrogger is someone who secretly lives in another person’s house without them knowing. It sounds strange, but there have been many reported cases where people found hidden intruders in attics, basements, or unused rooms.

How do you get rid of a phrogger?

If you suspect someone is secretly living in your home, don’t confront them yourself. Call the police immediately. Try to document any strange signs (like missing food or noises). Later, you can also talk to a lawyer to understand your rights and how to keep it from happening again.

How can you tell if someone is in your house at night?

Watch for unusual signs — unlocked doors you’re sure you locked, open windows, or things out of place. You might hear odd noises from the attic, basement, or behind walls. If something feels off, trust your gut and check things out safely.

Why do people phrogg?

Most phroggers don’t want to hurt anyone. They usually don’t have a place to live and are trying to survive. Some may hide in a home they once lived in, or sneak in without anyone noticing. While their reasons may be desperate, it’s still a serious invasion of privacy.