You may be thinking, what in the world is phrogging and why should I even care? Well, we are going to dive into what it is and what to do in the rare case that it happens to you. If you have never heard this word before, it’s okay! It only started to get popular in 2014 when an independent short film was released called “Phrogging”, showing four college friends experimenting with this strange phenomenon.
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The term phrogging means to temporarily live in someone’s residence without their knowledge or permission. These “phrogs”, usually stay in attics, closets, crawlspaces or basements. Although this is very rare and there aren’t many known cases, it is popular in scary movies and thrillers. Another movie in 2019 was released called “I See You” which focuses on a phrogger who tormented the family.
This is not something you should be scared about. Movies and shows heighten the fear of phrogging because that’s what a horror movie does, so there is no need to be in fear of this.
If you do want to put your mind at ease, ensure that you:
- Lock your doors: Whether it be phroggers or thieves, locking your doors at any point is important to make the phroggers move on.
- Security cameras: This may be considered overkill but many homeowners are investing in security cameras which are helpful for insurance reasons and safety.
- Locks on windows: Many intruders rarely just walk through the front door. They choose windows that are left unlocked so make sure you have secure locks on your windows.
Here are some things to look for if you suspect someone has broken into your house or is living in it:
- You hear strange noises
- Your belongings are missing or moved
- Check that your windows and doors are locked as when you left them
- Check for any forced entry including broken glass and broken locks
Movies about phrogging make it seem way more common than it actually is. What is more common, is squatters who secretly live in unattended and abandoned properties like sheds and barns. Break-ins are way more common than phrogging so the steps above are important to do anyway to enjoy your home to the fullest!
Are you looking to enter the market this spooky season? Give us a call today! One of the experienced real estate agents at Zoocasa is happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!