A Texas woman is sharing the disturbing incident that recently happened to her several days ago in the hopes that her warning will help others to avoid being victimized by a crime. It’s currently happening to neighborhoods across the country, after criminals have established a sinister new trend as a way to mark their next victims.

In a now viral Facebook post, Kim Cernigliaro wrote about her harrowing experience after an unknown person came to her front door and began violently pounding on it.

“Two weeks ago during the day, a hard knock was at my front door, not a regular knock but almost pounding … and I DO NOT answer the door when I am here by myself,” she wrote.

She followed her intuition at the time, which was to not open the door, choosing instead to peek out the side window.

“I glanced around and could see it was a man through the stained glass of my door,” she wrote.

Kim said she waited for about 30 minutes until she was sure the man had left, and expected to see a brochure from a salesman, but instead found that a rubber band had been fastened around her door handle. Completely perplexed, Kim decided to call the police to see if they had any insight, and that’s when her jaw hit the floor:

“The sheriff came by yesterday and said this is happening all of a sudden, as soon as you unlatch the door, they do not wait for you to turn the knob, they can bust in on you.”

She was told that if anyone sees a rubber band, they should immediately contact police. Basically, the rubber band is used to prop the latch open, so as soon as you turn the lock, criminals can push the door open, gaining instant access into your home without waiting for you to peek to see who the person is.

app-facebook Kim Fleming Cernigliaro about a year ago . . ... 😡 😡 😡 thought would be a brochure, but instead found a rubber band around my knob to hold the door to open when I unlocked the latch. I called Ron and he told me to get the gun out and leave it out. The Sheriff came by yesterday and said this is happening all of a sudden, as soon as you unlatch the door, they do not wait for you to turn the knob, they can bust in on you. Anyway just be careful, I USE to be such a trusting person, but not at all anymore! So let me just say, I have a GUN and I know how to use it, just FYI, I out shot my husband the last time we target practiced, so believe me, I will use it. I have too much to live for! Do NOT ANSWER doors without knowing for sure you know who is on the other side! Those days are over!!!!Kids need to be made aware of this too! Warning!!! Two weeks ago during the day, a hard knock was at my front door, not a regular knock but almost pounding, (I honestly thought something may have happened to someone and they needed help) but something didn't feel right....and I DO NOT answer the door when I am here by myself. So don't bother! After several Knocks, they finally left. I glanced and could see it was a man through the stained glass of my door. After about 30 minutes I walked outside to look for what I See More 41K 124 235K

Kim hopes that sharing her story can warn others and help prevent others from being victimized. If you hear someone banging at your door and you’re not expecting company, always be sure to have your firearm handy and accessible so if things do go south, you’ll be able to adequately defend yourself and your home.

This rubber band trick is no doubt putting countless lives in danger across the nation. Be sure to pass the story on to your friends and family. It is possible that this warning could save someone’s life.