credit card protection and to make copies of them front and back so u have the numbers and the phone numbers to call . i think its time for a refresher for us and the nenw ones around here ... thank you for ur wisdom

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, December 5, 2004 - 06:53 pm:

Absolutely, Jewlz - though the photocopying part was some other very smart person's idea, not mine. Here is the web site about identity theft, which is an excellent site.
http://101-identitytheft.com/checklist.htm

Basically, though, photocopy the front and back of your credit cards, bank card, AAA card if you are a member. Don't carry your checkbook unless you are fairly sure you will need to write a check (when I lost my purse I had to close my bank account and open a new one, which is a real pain).

DON'T, DON'T, DON'T carry your keys in your purse. I always carry my house and car keys on separate rings and put them in my pockets. I always wear pants with pockets or, if necessary, put the keys in a zipper pocket in my coat or jacket (and I don't buy a coat or jacket that doesn't have a zipper pocket if I can help it). If you don't want to do that, get a chain you can put around your neck and keep your keys on that, at least at this time of year. There is nothing worse than having your purse stolen and then (a) not being able to drive your car home and (b) having to have the locks on your house and car changed (which is very expensive). Each time my purse was taken, I at least had my keys.

As Yvonne pointed out in another post, keep your purse on your person at all times (and don't let it get slung behind your back or where you can't see it as you move). At this time of year, really think about how much theft takes place and plan how to keep your money, credit cards, and other important stuff safe. Don't carry anything with you that you don't need when you are Christmas shopping (really prune what you think you need - like more than one credit card, etc.), and carry your stuff in such a way that no one can try to get at it without you noticing. Remember, you are shopping and will be carrying lots of packages at some point, so plan to carry your valuables in such a way that when your arms are loading with successful shopping, your valuables aren't vulnerable (that's why I like pockets or a belly pack).

Remember, stores, malls, supermarkets and yes, even churches are public places and you won't know everyone and don't know who is seeing you as a potential victim. I lost my purse in a diner one time, had it stolen at a train station another time, and had someone try to pickpocket my wallet when I had my purse slung towards my back because I had a luggage cart and was going up an escalator (luckily I noticed he was fairly close to me and had his coat draped over his arm to cover his hand, and moved my purse). A friend had her purse stolen from the seat next to her at church when she was standing for the hymn singing, and her house and car keys were in it along with all her I.D.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, December 5, 2004 - 08:30 pm:

I also had a friend who was on a bus and someone (excuse the graphic nature) "hocked a loogee" (sp?)on his jacket. As he looked towards his shoulder in dismay, his wallet was taken out of his jacket on the other side. He was in Germany and they took his passport...ugh.
People work in teams quite often. Another example... if someone is stalling you on an escalator (jumped in front of you) to get you to slow down, someone could be getting something out of your purse from behind. (Especially if you have a lot of bags with you. It's hard to tell what's being taken, etc.) Don't let someone just "bump" you from behind.
Additional funny story...I once knew a fairly hefty girl that beat the CRUD out of a guy who tried to steal her purse while he was running. I almost felt sorry for the guy!!!