One of the more dangerous types of people in the world are sociopaths -- the 4% of the population who don't have a conscience. Who're not "wired" to care about anyone else.

The kind of people who can rob, hurt, torture even kill another person without thinking twice -- as if it's just another "chore" on their list.

But knowing they exist and what they are capable of is not enough. The frightening thing about them is they rarely pose as dangerous people to their victims. And so, it's equally important to know how to identify them, so you know when you're dealing with one or not.

Listen: One giant "red flag" that gives them away is they have an extraordinary ability at making great first impressions.

And I mean WAY above average. As in, they will make you feel like you've known them forever after just one conversation.

Why are they so good at this?

Simply because they don't have natural reactions. They don't understand us. They don't have the normal moral guidance regular people have.

So they are very careful and closely watch how we react. And the really dangerous ones -- especially the ones who like to hurt people -- get frighteningly good at making sure they're your new best friend within five minutes of talking to them.

And if you're not careful -- if you aren't aware of this -- you'll think the sociopath who wants to fleece your house and victimize you and your family is a "really great guy."

In fact, this is why people are so shocked when they're victimized by a sociopath. They never, ever saw it coming.

One famous example of this was Ted Bundy -- the cold-blooded killer who went on a murder spree several years ago. He had almost supernatural charm, wit and charisma -- and his victims never saw it coming when he killed them.

So what does this mean for you?

Well, I'm all for being a "good samaritan" but you also have to watch your back.

When that guy on the street asks you to help him change his tire or to go with him to help him do some menial little task or whatever, watch your back.

If he starts calling you "buddy" and acting like you're best friends, when you just met, that ought to be a red flag.

It doesn't always mean you're dealing with a sociopath, and even if he or she is, it doesn't always mean they have any intention of foul play. But be alert. Be vigilant.

And above all else...be prepared to fight.

That's the point I want to make here.

The best thing you can do for your safety -- and the safety of your family -- is learn how to protect yourself.

Because, there are bad people in this world who will hurt, cripple even kill you or one of your loved ones to get what they want. The smart ones will not attack you in a place where you have access to your gun, the police, or any help.

And so the only way to really protect yourself from them is to know how to defend yourself.