Are dentists being targeted by organised gangs?

I watched the video, my heart goes out to Dr Kunal Patel for going through this as it’s never nice to go through this or wish this upon anyone. I grew up out there, I know how people like this think, in my day it wasn’t as easy as it is now for organised gangs to find a mark but I believe social media has played a big part of this, let me explain:

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If you really wanted to, you could follow a top dentist with thousands of followers on social media which usually means they are very active on showing you their life and providing you with useful information about them. Unlike celebrities, you will always know where that dentist will be, just look up the practice! Always remember some of the users who follow you may have ulterior motives!

There was a time when you was told don’t tell anyone or post online that you are on holiday as that will let the world know … no one is at home. Within a space of a month, from an active social media account you can find out where they go on day to day basis, their routines, locations, when they’re on holiday, what area they live in, what material items they have, what cars and watches they own, how many practices they have, you can even search online and find out home addresses and net worth of an individual within a short space of time.

The odd thing is, it's now normal to do this on social media, all of the above gets openly posted by the person behind the social media account, there was a phrase that was used back in the day "I love it when a mark does all the work for you!" A slogan that was used for The Met Police campaign a few years ago: "Thieves see your possessions differently, take care when they're on show".

Some of the wealthiest people I know in dentistry are like ghosts online, some have multiple successful dental practices (one has 60+ practices with big uda contracts) and some sold groups of dental practices for millions. One dental laboratory owner I know sold their lab for over £10 million. One thing they all have in common is that they don’t flaunt it online and you probably would even not know your in the room with them if you saw them.

I have been on courses which teaches about social media and they always say, show people about your life and who’s behind the social media account. I agree with this to an extent but I think this is a dangerous business model to follow as you leave yourself exposed if you show people too much into your life.

I would say to anyone to be very mindful on what you post online as you might be giving out more information than what is needed! Yes, promote yourself, skills, accomplishments or your business and treat it like advertisement campaign.

If you ever see me at a dental events you will notice I will looking around at the premises ...not because I'm sizing it up.. I naturally look for cameras, entrances, fire exits, windows etc even when I'm walking around on the street I always look at the street around me for objects.. e.g next to that shop there was a bottle left there. This is all a safety measure that was instilled into me from a young age.

This whole article backs up a answer to a question I get asked.. Why are you not on facebook or have a personal instagram? Answer: Because I grew up out there.

Click below to view the video and interview:
https://dentistry.co.uk/2022/09/30/he-pushes-me-and-starts-punching-me-in-the-face-are-dentists-being-targeted-by-organised-gangs/