Coping with Purse Snatchers
What is the first action you should take when your purse has been stolen?Someone snatched your purse or your wallet. What should you do first?
You are shopping and your purse disappears. What should you do immediately? If you are inside a store, tell the checkout clerks and manager.
Don’t spend too much time looking for it. You need to move fast.
First, your debit card. Get to your laptop as fast as you can. Go to the website where you have your bank account with a debit card. Other than cash, your debit card is the least protected item in your wallet. Here’s why. It may be linked to your checking account, which may be linked to your savings account, depending on the way you’ve organized your business. Banks don’t make a practice of backing it up.
Your pin will keep someone from using the card to make a purchase as a debit card and/or withdrawing cash.BUT herein lies the danger: Someone can use your debit card as a credit card to make a purchase in a busy store. The thief scribbles a signature on the pad, and voila—a withdrawal from your checking account goes through.
If you aren’t sure whether you lost your purse or wallet, you can place a temporary block on your debit card. Your bank will probably have a 24/7 service with a human answering the phone. Keep an eye on your balance. You can always go to the bank at your first opportunity to arrange for a new debit card.
Calling the police. You may say to yourself, "Why bother?" The police force needs to know even though little can be done in most cases. Sometimes, however, arrests are made for purse snatching. It's important to have a record that you filed a claim for insurance purposes. If you are with a companion who has a cellphone, call if you have evidence of a theft.
Next, your credit cards. Block your credit cards the same way you blocked your debit card. Keep an eye on your most recent purchases. If you don’t have your account numbers written down somewhere handy, at least try to know the last four digits, but don’t waste valuable time looking for account numbers. You’ll be asked your social security card number, your birthday, your address, a telephone number where you can be reached, and your mother’s maiden name.
Calling the phone company. The sympathetic people at the phone company can tell when your phone was used last. Have the part of your account related to your phone blocked. At your earliest convenience to the local store for instructions to get a new phone. This may cost something, depending upon your situation.
The Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll have to wait until the following day or the next business day to go to the DMV. For a small fee, you’ll receive a new driver’s license.
Some simple protective measures:
- Use a fake mother’s maiden name. It’s easy to find your mother’s real name online.
- Place your stuff in a big over the-head-shoulder purse.
- Try not to make your purse so heavy you won’t want to carry it.
- Always zip your purse shut. If it won’t zip, discard it.
- If you absolutely must place your purse in the shopping card, secure it with the child-safety belt.
- If you use a wallet without your purse, attach it to your body either as a wristlet or as a shoulder bag.
- Avoid placing extra cash and cards in your wallet. They may be safer in the big shoulder purse.
- You need your insurance cards, but if you have a Medicare card with you, your social security number will be readily accessible to the thief.
- Insure your cellphone.
- Without acting too paranoid and making yourself miserable, don’t let other shoppers into your personal space.
Don't beat yourself up.
You've been violated. There's no denying the facts. This can't be a time to panic or wring your hands. Instead, move fast.Chances are your heart is racing. Spring into action and make that adrenaline count to protect you.
As soon as the dust settles, take a critical look at your home security measure
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