The Clark Howard Podcast - Episode Summary

Title: Burglars Go High Tech / Avoid This Hotel Booking Mistake
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host: Clark Howard
Podcast: The Clark Howard Show

Introduction

In the May 5, 2025 episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, Clark delves into two pressing issues affecting everyday consumers: the evolving tactics of burglars utilizing high-tech devices to surveil homes and the pitfalls of booking non-refundable hotel reservations. Through insightful discussions and real-life anecdotes, Clark empowers listeners with the knowledge to protect their homes and make smarter travel decisions.

Segment 1: Burglars Go High Tech

Time Stamp: [00:51] - [05:01]

Clark opens the discussion by highlighting a concerning trend reported by CNET: burglars are now employing portable cameras, known as Hunter's cameras, to surveil potential targets discreetly.

• Understanding Hunter's Cameras:

  • Clark: "Criminals are putting portable cameras on the property of houses that they are casing for burglary. Hunter's cameras run on batteries and can be placed almost anywhere discreetly."
  • Features: These cameras typically store footage on SD cards, avoiding Wi-Fi detection, allowing burglars to analyze homeowners' patterns—when they're likely to be away, etc.

• Technological Implications:

  • Clark: "It's taking technology meant for good—like hunters tracking game—and twisting it for malicious purposes."
  • Co-host: Suggests increased vigilance, especially in outdoor areas like trees and gardens.

• Preventative Measures:

  • Be aware of unfamiliar cameras around your property.
  • Regularly inspect your home's exterior for suspicious devices.

Notable Quote:

"If you see a little camera that's placed somehow looking at your house and you didn't put it there, it could be somebody casing." — Clark Howard [03:00]

Segment 2: Avoid This Hotel Booking Mistake

Time Stamp: [15:57] - [29:24]

Transitioning from home security, Clark warns listeners about the growing trend of non-refundable and non-changeable hotel bookings, paralleling it to basic economy airline tickets.

• The Trap of Non-Refundable Bookings:

  • Clark: "Hotels are offering non-refundable, non-changeable rooms to save a bit of money, but if plans change, you're stuck paying for a room you can't use."
  • Personal Anecdote: Clark shares a story about his brother booking a non-refundable room for a family event that was later canceled, resulting in a lost deposit.

• Risks of Using Google for Hotel Reservations:

  • Clark: "Criminals and con artists have cracked the code on busting Google search results. You might end up booking through fraudulent websites that charge exorbitant rates."
  • Advice: Always book directly through the hotel's official website or trusted platforms to avoid scams and ensure flexibility.

• Recommended Booking Strategies:

  • Reshopping: Clark emphasizes the importance of reshopping hotel rates a week before your stay, often finding better deals than initial bookings.
  • Trusted Platforms: Suggests using reputable services like Costco Travel, which offers flexible and competitive rates without the pitfalls of non-refundable deals.

Notable Quote:

"Don't do a non-refundable hotel booking. Life happens, and you could lose your money." — Clark Howard [15:57]

Additional Insights

Throughout the episode, Clark addresses listener questions, providing valuable advice on topics ranging from mortgage pre-approval after a job change to the complexities of travel insurance. Notably, he discusses the challenges of obtaining travel insurance claims and warns against overly trusting review systems that may be manipulated.

• Mortgage Pre-Approval: Recommends a traditional two-year work history for conventional mortgages but acknowledges alternative options through brokers or credit unions.
• Travel Insurance: Advises thorough reading of policy coverages and emphasizes the importance of third-party reviews to avoid restrictive and problematic insurance plans.
• Listener Scam Alert: Shares a cautionary tale about a fraudulent luggage storage service, reinforcing the need for vigilance when using new or shared economy platforms.

Notable Quote:

"With any policy, read the coverages thoroughly and check third-party reviews to ensure it's legitimate." — Clark Howard [24:33]

Conclusion

Clark wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of being proactive in both home security and travel planning. He encourages listeners to utilize free resources like Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com for ongoing advice and to take advantage of Team Clark's one-on-one consumer assistance services. By staying informed and cautious, consumers can save more, spend less, and avoid potential scams.

Final Thought:

"Empower yourself to save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off." — Clark Howard [29:03]

Resources Mentioned

• Clark’s Consumer Action Center: clark.com/cac
• Ask Clark: www.clark.com/askclark
• Car Rental Tips: ClarkDeals.com
• Mortgage Advice: Conventional vs. Alternative Options

By addressing both high-tech home security threats and the financial risks of inflexible travel bookings, Clark Howard provides listeners with actionable strategies to safeguard their finances and personal well-being.