Deceive a Mugger with a DIY Decoy Wallet

Revisiting the Mugging Diversionary Device, or Decoy Wallet, has been on my mind lately. With ITS releasing the Hypalon Concealment Wallet, a few people remarked that a wallet would be the first thing a mugger would take and keeping entry/escape tools inside might not be the best course of action.

I certainly understand the hesitation, but why would you even let a mugger take your real wallet? That’s where having a good plan and a decoy device comes into play.

Decoy Wallet

I first wrote about my Decoy Wallet back in 2009, which I’d only recently started carrying on a regular basis. It’s certainly not handy to carry two wallets, especially considering I carry one of our ITS EDC Trauma Kits daily as well.

That being said, I can’t honestly say I carry my Decoy Wallet each and every day, but when I can, I do. Even if it’s the primary wallet in my back pocket and my real wallet is in a jacket pocket.

How Does a Decoy Wallet Work?

The premise behind a Decoy Wallet, or Giveaway Wallet, is that in the event of a mugging and the old “gimme your wallet” routine, you’d reach for the ringer. To the criminal, they got what they wanted and their eyes should now (in theory) be affixed to the Decoy Wallet.

They’re also more than likely going to want to leave the area in a hurry and this is also the point where the most danger lies. Do they truly just want your wallet or are they bent on doing you harm or ensuring they don’t leave any evidence?

It’s ultimately for you to decide if lethal force is justified, but throwing the wallet or just taking it out makes for a pretty good diversion if you need to use the other hand to access a defensive weapon. This is why I try to keep my Decoy Wallet in my back left pocket. Being right handed, this gives me more options to access my tools.

Something that was taught to me long ago was that I should always be looking for three things: Buddies, weapons and options. Where are my buddies or people that can help me, where are their buddies, or backup, if any. What weapons are available, both on the bad guy, on me, or what’s around that can be used as an improvised weapon. What are my options? Can I escape, or is lethal force justified? What are the bad guy’s options? Knowing his next move might give you the upper hand as well.

What to Carry in a Decoy Wallet

More than likely, a criminal is never going to see what’s in your Decoy Wallet, as they’ll want to get off the X as soon as possible. If it does open up, you’ll at least want to have some items inside that give the appearance of credit cards and cash. The idea is to make the illusion plausible.

First off, I recommend never putting anything inside that has your name on it, or can be tied back to you, your home, or your family. You don’t want some mugger getting pissed off that all he got was a couple of bucks and coming after you.

The idea is to start collecting a bunch of those credit card offer blanks that look like the real credit cards. You know, the ones that say “your name here.” You’ll want at least 3 or 4 of those to visually look like the typical variety found in a wallet.

The wallet is also an important part of the illusion. It has to look worn. An old wallet is perfect for this, as it will have true wear. Just make sure it’s nothing you wouldn’t mind losing.

The last thing is to put a couple of real bucks inside. 3-4 one dollar bills are sufficient. Just in case a mugger’s goal is to take the cash and run, he won’t feel play money and request your real wallet.

Live to Fight Another Day

Just like you I don’t ever want to be the victim, but if this simple diversionary technique can give me the upper hand or allow me to fight another day, then I feel it’s all worth it.

Is it an inconvenience to have to keep up with one more thing in your pocket? Sure it is, but not every solution is a gun solution. Why not carry a cheap insurance policy that can buy you important time and not have the mental dilemma of “should I give this scumbag my wallet?” Throw it at him and transition, or get the hell out of dodge.

Have options, that’s what’s important.