The 9 Dec 1916 Motion Picture News reported that the eight-reel feature was to be filmed at the Selig Zoo in the Lincoln Heights district of Los Angeles, CA. According to the 6 Jan 1917 Motography, William Farnum was initially cast as the leading man; he was later replaced by Thomas Santschi. Also appearing in the picture were Clarissa Selwynne, as noted in the 12 Apr 1917 Motion Picture Studio Directory.
       The completion of principal photography was announced in the 13 Jan 1917 Motion Picture News. The 27 Jan 1917 issue credited Walter C. Howey, former city editor of the Chicago Tribune, with conceiving “the basic idea” for the film and collaborating with Gilson Willets on the scenario. Howey was said to have based the story on several blackmailing cases he encountered during his career in journalism. An article in the 17 Feb 1917 Motography claimed that Selig produced the film for the express purpose of educating the public on various methods used by swindlers. The scenario was reportedly inspired by true incidents, with the addition of a fictional romance “to build the individual incidents into connected narrative.” Will Machin was listed in the Motography item as a cast member.
       Beware of Strangers was released on a states’ rights basis, and made its Chicago, IL, debut on 10 Feb 1917 at the La Salle Theatre. News items in the 2 Mar 1917 Var and 10 Mar 1917 Moving Picture World revealed that, although admission was restricted to adult patrons, the film played to standing-room-only crowds. Critical notices were equally enthusiastic. The 24 Feb 1917 Motography noted that a private screening was attended by Illinois State’s Attorney Maclay Hoyne, District Attorney Charles F. Clyne, and William A. Pinkerton of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The 31 Mar 1917 Moving Picture World later reported that Hoyne officially endorsed the film.
       Exchanges handling the release included Jones, Linick & Schaefer, serving Illinois and Indiana (24 Feb 1917 Moving Picture World); Nat Magner of San Francisco, CA (10 Mar 1917 Var); the Hatch Film Co. of Newark, NJ (24 Mar 1917 Moving Picture World); James Barton of California, New York Metro Film Service, Metro Film Exchange of Boston, MA, and Joseph F. Lee of New York City (31 Mar 1917 Moving Picture World); Frank G. Hall of Newark, NJ (14 Apr 1917 Motion Picture News); Masterpiece Film Attractions (14 Apr 1917 Motography); and Kansas City Feature Film Co. (2 Jun 1917 Motion Picture News.)
       The 16 Jun 1917 Motography listed the running length at 7,000 feet, indicating that approximately one reel had been cut from the initial release print.