You hear a bump in the night. The fridge seems lighter than usual. A door creaks—but no one’s there. It’s easy to shrug off these moments as imagination. But what if they weren’t?
Welcome to the terrifying world of phrogging—a crime where intruders secretly live inside someone’s home without their knowledge. It sounds like an internet hoax or urban legend. But not only is it real—it’s happening more often than you’d think.
A College Nightmare: When the Closet Isn’t Just a Closet
For Jared Malvic, phrogging wasn’t a story from Reddit. It was real life.
In 2013, while attending Ohio State University, Malvic shared an off-campus house with nine roommates. Strange things began happening: kitchen cupboards mysteriously opened, food went missing, and random items were out of place.
The group chalked it up to forgetfulness—until someone opened what they thought was a “utility closet” in the basement. Inside was a fully set-up bedroom, complete with a mattress, chair, guitar, and personal belongings.
They had unknowingly shared their home with Jeremy, a man who had moved in with previous tenants and never left. When confronted, Jeremy politely exited and vanished.
“It made me more cautious, more on edge,” Malvic recalled. “Even today, I don’t leave a door unopened.”
Not an Urban Legend: The History of Phrogging
Phrogging may be a newer term, but the behavior has long existed. One of the most disturbing early cases happened in 1986, when Daniel LaPlante, a 17-year-old from Massachusetts, became obsessed with teenage girl Tina Bowen.
He broke into her home and lived inside the walls for weeks.
LaPlante taunted the family: changing TV channels, stealing food, making noises—all while remaining undetected. One day, he emerged wielding a hatchet and held the family hostage. Tina escaped, and LaPlante was arrested.
But it didn’t end there. After being released on bail, he committed a triple homicide, murdering a woman and her two children. He is now serving three life sentences.
“This was the most bizarre and disturbing case of my career,” said retired detective Tom Lane.
Phrogging Hits Close to Home—Literally
Sometimes, the phrogger isn’t a stranger.
In 2017, Detective Kerry Lovallo investigated a woman who believed she was losing her mind. Cabinets were open, jewelry disappeared, and cigarette butts appeared in the yard—though she didn’t smoke.
Eventually, police discovered her estranged husband had been secretly living inside the home. He admitted he hoped to scare her enough that she would call him for protection, giving him a chance to “save the day.”
“It was psychological warfare,” Lovallo explained. “He designed it to make her doubt herself.”
Both the woman and her child were diagnosed with PTSD.
Vacation Homes: A Phrogger’s Paradise
On Padre Island, Texas, vacation homes sit empty for weeks—making them easy targets for phroggers.
According to Dale Rankin, editor of The Island Moon, some phroggers sneak in after dark, avoid security cameras, and live undetected for days or weeks.
In one case, a man returned home from a work trip to find two adult men and four teenagers living in his house. In another, a woman came home to discover an entire family had moved in, complete with their own dishes and laundry.
“They don’t trash the place,” Rankin said. “They just want a place to hide.”
How to Tell If You’re Being Phrogged
While rare, phrogging cases are increasing due to housing insecurity, mental illness, and sometimes even obsession. Signs that someone may be secretly living in your home include:
- Missing or rearranged items
- Unfamiliar noises in walls, attics, or basements
- Food disappearing without explanation
- Open doors, drawers, or windows you didn’t leave that way
- Feeling watched or sensing someone’s presence
Experts advise trusting your instincts. Document odd behavior, check hidden spaces, and install security systems. If suspicions persist, report them to law enforcement immediately.
“Don’t second-guess yourself,” said Lovallo. “It’s always better to be safe.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is phrogging?
Phrogging is a crime where someone secretly lives inside another person’s home without permission or detection.
Is phrogging real or just an urban legend?
Phrogging is very real. Multiple verified cases exist across the U.S., some involving severe psychological and physical trauma.
How do phroggers avoid being noticed?
They typically hide in attics, basements, closets, or crawl spaces, moving silently and only when the homeowners are away or asleep.
Why do people commit phrogging?
Motivations vary—some phroggers are homeless, others are mentally ill, and some are stalkers or voyeurs.
What’s the difference between phrogging and squatting?
Squatting involves openly living in a vacant property. Phrogging involves secretly living in an occupied home, often for weeks or months.
What should I do if I suspect someone is living in my home?
Trust your instincts. Set up surveillance, avoid confronting them alone, and call the police immediately.