Think Twice Before Sticking That Family Decal On Your Car

Experts warn that the personal stickers on your car or truck could be used by criminals to make your vehicle their next victim. A potential crime targeting you and your family. Here are some stickers that seem harmless but could attract unwanted attention and cause harm.

You're Proud of Your Honor Roll Student

As we pulled up to a red light, our vehicle came to a stop, and we couldn’t help but notice the charming stick-figure families on the back of a nearby SUV. These decals often reflect a family's pride and joy, adding a personal touch to their vehicle. However, it's essential to be mindful of safety, as experts warn that these cute stickers might inadvertently share too much about your family. They can reveal personal details that could make you vulnerable. Some families even showcase names, hobbies, or beloved pets—which, while endearing, is something to consider carefully for your family's safety. Let’s celebrate our uniqueness while staying aware!

If this warning doesn’t worry you, imagine this scenario

Imagine someone approaching your child in the Costco parking lot while you’re distracted, unloading groceries from the back of your vehicle. The kids are on the other side of the car when a stranger comes up, just out of your line of sight.

"Hello! Liam and Olivia! Remember me? My name is Rob. I know your dad, Josh. We work together." The children feel uneasy, but he knows their names, so they think they must have met him before.

He adds, "Can you help me find my dog, Charlie? He just ran off."

"Oh, hey! We have a dog named Charlie, too!" they both respond eagerly.

He knows that. He saw it on the back of your car. Now, they share something in common, which makes them eager to assist.

A potential predator could exploit the information they gleaned from the back of your vehicle to deceive your kids and create a false sense of security. By revealing personal details, you have inadvertently put your family at risk.

What else are you telling the public? 

If you display stickers that indicate your love for bikes or outdoor activities, criminals may assume you have valuable equipment hidden away. Additionally, if your phone number is visible, perhaps because you run a home-based business, that could pose a risk. Do you also have stickers representing your favorite sports teams? Or maybe "my honor student" stickers? These reveal not only your interests but also where your kids go to school, raising further security concerns.

Experts want you to play it safe and immediately remove those stickers from your vehicle.

Remember: Bumper Stickers Can Pose Risks for You and Your Family**

• Bumper stickers can reveal personal information about you and your family.
• They can indicate the presence of expensive gear in your car, putting your belongings at risk.
• Additionally, displaying stickers related to your children, such as college, team, or sorority logos, can put them in danger by highlighting their affiliations.
• Stickers for travel sports teams can also signal that you’re from out of town, making you a potential target.
• Decals that showcase accomplishments, such as "Honor Roll," can inadvertently reveal which school your children attend, potentially drawing unwanted attention. So signal that you’re from out of town, making you a potential target.
• "Honor Roll" can inadvertently disclose which school your children attend, potentially exposing them to unwanted attention.