What Precautionary Measures Do You Take To Avoid Boarding One-chance Vehicles?

Eavesdropping on a gathering of ladies conversing, I was shocked to hear that all of them have fallen victim of these notorious criminals –some, even multiple times. Since I wasn't in their midst, I wasn't able to get the details audibly. Only strategy I could catch is that when the driver asks where you are going, it could be a sign that he's not truly plying that route but fishing for unsuspecting commuters to leave with gory aftermaths such as emptied accounts, parting with their valuables, physical scarsApparently, one isn't even safe when a lady is an occupant of the vehicle. So for those of us who still board "along", who can be considered jjc, can you suggest tips to avoid such unfortunate tragedy?