STREET SMARTS TAAA
You’re on a city bus and notice two people talking loudly, possibly arguing. A third person near you starts watching the argument closely while moving closer to you. The situation feels off, but nothing overtly threatening has happened yet.
What should you do to protect yourself, especially if this may be a distraction tactic?
Secure your belongings immediately — make sure your bag, wallet, and phone are all in front of you or tightly held.
Stay alert but calm — don’t stare at the argument, but keep them in your peripheral vision.
If the person near you gets too close, change your seat or move closer to the driver or a group.
Trust your instincts. If you feel tension rising, prepare to get off at the next stop, even if it’s not yours.
You’re out late in an unfamiliar part of town. Your phone dies, and you realize your wallet is missing. A stranger sees you looking distressed and offers to “walk you to an ATM” or “help you get a ride,” but insists you go with them off the main road.
How do you handle this safely, considering you’re vulnerable and need help but don’t want to be led into danger?
Politely decline going anywhere isolated. Say, “Thanks, but I’ll wait here until I see a police officer or someone I know.”
Stay in well-lit, public areas like a gas station, fast food spot, or near security cameras.
Ask a store employee to borrow a charger or phone (people with uniforms and a location to lose are more likely to be trustworthy).
If needed, pretend to make a phone call to someone nearby to deter anyone with bad intentions (“Hey, I’m at the Shell station. You’ll be here in 2 minutes?”).
You overhear two people whispering behind you in line at a convenience store. One says, “You ready?” and the other responds, “Yeah, just grab it.” A moment later, one begins loudly arguing with the cashier while the other lingers by the exit.
What is the smartest course of action for you to take — both for your own safety and in case a crime is about to occur?
Do not interfere. Stay calm and quietly distance yourself from the people and the exit.
Observe important details: clothing, tattoos, voice, behavior — useful if something happens and you need to give a statement.
If possible, exit discreetly (ideally without drawing attention) or position yourself behind a secure object like a shelf or fridge door.
Silently alert the cashier or use your phone to text 911 or call emergency services if something goes down.
You're riding in a car with someone you just met at a party. You agreed to get a ride home, but halfway there, they suddenly change direction, say they need to “stop somewhere,” and their mood becomes subtly hostile. The area you’re heading into looks isolated.
What must you do to de-escalate the situation and safely remove yourself from a potentially dangerous setup?
Stay calm and do not show fear or hostility — that could escalate the situation.
Say something neutral but urgent like:
“Hey, I just got a message — my friend’s waiting for me at home and tracking me on Find My Friends. They’ll freak if I’m late.”
Casually mention being tracked or having a shared location, even if it’s not true.
Watch for a safe location — gas station, store, or public area — then say you need to stop to use the bathroom or grab something. Exit the vehicle and stay there.
Once safe, call someone, get help, and report the incident if needed.
You’re traveling abroad and notice that someone has been following you for several blocks. You change directions and they do the same. You duck into a crowded café to lose them, but five minutes later, they enter and sit across the room, watching you. Your phone is low on battery, and you’re not fluent in the local language. You suspect you’ve been targeted for theft or worse.
What is the safest, smartest multi-step plan you can execute immediately to ensure your safety and avoid confrontation, given your limited resources?
Do not leave the public place — that’s your best protection.
Text someone immediately with your location while you still have battery: “I think I’m being followed. I’m at [Café Name].”
Position yourself near staff or an exit. Act like you're waiting for someone to show you’re not alone.
Use a fake call: Put phone to your ear and speak loudly: “Yes, I’m inside now. I see you. Come in.” This suggests backup.
Signal the staff quietly. Walk up and say, “I don’t feel safe. Can you help me call police or a taxi?” (Learn or show the word “police” in the local language.)
If they don’t respond, find another patron and quietly say: “That man is following me. I need help getting out.”