After a long shift, Marissa walked toward her car in the dim parking lot—only to find something strange. A single penny was tightly lodged in her passenger-side door handle. At first, she thought little of it—maybe a prank or just a weird coincidence. But when her key wouldn’t turn in the lock, her instincts screamed that something wasn’t right.

Recalling a viral warning she’d read online, Marissa immediately stepped back and scanned her surroundings. She remembered that criminals sometimes use coins to jam door handles, preventing victims from entering their cars easily—leaving them distracted, vulnerable, and alone. Refusing to panic, she quickly walked back into the building and asked a coworker to accompany her out.

When they returned together, the coin was gone. Someone had been watching. If she had stayed alone, fumbling with the lock, things might’ve ended very differently. Marissa reported the incident, and later that week, authorities confirmed that several similar tactics had been spotted across the area—targeting women at night.

It was a chilling reminder that danger often comes in quiet, clever ways. A penny in your door handle may seem harmless—but it could be a setup. Trust your gut. Stay aware. And never be afraid to ask for help. A little caution can save your life.