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The Knock You Should Never Answer
Your front door is a barrier—use it. Because not everyone who knocks is a neighbor in need.
Spencer Coursen
August 05, 2025
In a world where most people text before they show up, a knock on the door is no longer just a courtesy—it’s a cue to be cautious. Too many people open their door to strangers without hesitation, forgetting that predators don’t look like monsters—they often show up in a t-shirt, with a clipboard, and a convincing story.
Criminals rely on your social conditioning. They exploit your desire to be polite, your instinct to help, and your fear of appearing rude. But your job is not to be polite to strangers at your doorstep. Your job is to be safe.
Using Tech (like your Ring App) To Check Who Is At The Door Is A Simple Way To Reduce Risk.
True Story:
News anchor Lori Fulbright ran an experiment with an undercover officer dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. He went door-to-door with a fake story about inspecting water heaters for the city. Everyone let him in. No ID checked. No confirmation of a city vehicle. Even a college girl alone at home opened the door and let him walk right in.
Now imagine that wasn’t a news story. Imagine it was real.
Protective Strategies
You Can Employ Today:
Assume Unknown = Unsafe Unless someone has texted or called ahead, treat every knock as a potential risk. Everyone you want at your door knows better than to just show up unannounced.
Don’t Lock Up Your Best Defense So many people secure their dog before answering the door. Don’t. Your dog is a deterrent, a protector, and an early warning system. Let them bark—it’s better than blindly trusting a stranger.
Use Your Tech to Talk—Not Your Door You don’t owe anyone face-to-face interaction. Use your Ring camera, smart doorbell, or intercom system to communicate safely from a distance. Ask, “Who are you? What do you need?” If they claim it’s an emergency, offer to call 911—but do not open the door. Let technology be your first line of communication, and your locked door remain your first line of defense.
Have a Script and Stick to It Rehearse what you’ll say if someone asks to use your phone or your bathroom. A simple: “I’m not opening the door, but I’ll call someone for you” will work just fine.
Never Pretend You’re Not Home Burglars often knock to check if a home is empty. Silence may encourage a break-in. Let them know someone’s there—without opening the door.
Live Smart. Stay Safe.
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