As I headed out the door, I noticed that both handles on my handbag were cracked in the same place. I realized I was going to need a new handbag soon. Right now I had errands to run before delivering three back to back TEDx style 18 minutes presentations for RUMC Job Seekers, an awesome event for professionals in transition and business owners looking for strategic ways to grow business.
I pulled out of the garage at my condo and realized I’d forgotten a flyer for the LinkedIn Workshop I am doing on April 25. I made a quick u-turn, back into the garage, parked and locked my car. I’m not an elevator gal with just five floors, so I ran the stairs, got into my place, grabbed the flyer off my desk and headed back down.
Just 7 minutes, I’d been watched.
I came flying out the door at the foot of the stairs. Everything was quiet, a couple were walking their dog in the sun just outside the garage. Construction was going on, as it had been for months, across the street. I walked to my car just 20 feet away and was horrified to see my driver’s side window smashed in.
No alarm, no siren, just silence. I was stunned. Immediately I realized my purse was gone and I turned and ran to the leasing office.
It was 5:45PM and they were about closed up for the day, I got lucky, one agent was still in the office. My phone was in my purse, along with my wallet, my passport, my iPad, my favorite reading glasses, my notes from several client meetings, and a handful of business cards from an event the week before that I’d planned to follow up on.
All gone in just 7 minutes and no way to notify the police or call for help save for Shannon in the office. I was too relieved to be scared and still in shock from seeing my driver side window smashed to pieces and glass littering the inside of my car.
As we waited for the police, I asked if she’d meet them so I could go upstairs and use my land line (I keep it for webinars and teleseminars) to call the credit card companies and start cancelling everything, including Verizon to cancel my phone (it had a GPS tracker but the thieves were smart enough to turn it off.)
The police came and went, I was making one last call to my Visa when they asked me if I’d shopped at Footlocker that evening. I said “no” what time? They said 6:48PM CST, it was 7:53PM EST so just 5 minutes previously the robbers had been shopping at one of Atlanta’s upscale malls with my credit card.
I called 911 and got a recording asking me to hold. Seriously. That was my most terrifying moment because I realized that had this been a life threatening emergency, I’d have been dead and dismembered by the time they got to me. YIKES!!
Not one to wait for the authorities, I called Footlocker and spoke with the Manager, then mall security (entirely useless), then the Dunwoody police. There I got a voicemail recording telling me to call 911. This time I got through but they said they couldn’t do anything since the theft had occured in Brookhaven, just 2 miles away so it was out of their jurisdiction (the mall is in their district). Perhaps I’ve watched too many TV crime shows, but this seemed totally whack to me.
I later discovered that the thieves had stayed at the mall and continued to enjoy shopping privileges afforded by my debit card. The only card that I forgot to cancel because I only use it for ATM purposes once or twice a month and don’t consider it a credit card. Duh!
At the end of the night, I’d cancelled the phone and activated a new one, my credit card replacements were on their way via uber secure courier, I had purchased LifeLock, and gotten a copy of my valid driver’s license to keep with me. Little did I know the ordeal was just beginning . . . I’ll share the more in the next post, but want to give you the BIG TAKE AWAYs.
Expensive & Painful Lessons (Glad they are mine and not yours this time!)
- Someone is Always Watching. (I’ve never left my purse in plain site before, ever. Now, I know why. Have you?)
- Have a Contingency Plan. (Color copy of my driver’s license, though not enough to replace it with, story to come. What’s your back up plan?)
- Bad Things Happen to Good People All the Time, It’s What We Do With Those Things That Matters. (I take action, what would you do?)
This story is still unfolding and more lessons to come, in fact a colleague has suggested an ebook to help protect others from the challenges I am now faced with. Currently, beyond the color photo of my license, I have no acceptable ID and that isn’t accepted by the government. What will I do differently and recommend going forward? Stay tuned!
AS ALWAYS, your comments are welcomed, just please leave the advice, admonishments, and questions about why I carried my passport, you’ll find that out in the next post!
Oh, Melissa…I am so sorry. I cannot imagine the range of emotions going on. After feeling hurt I’d be mad as hell. I look forward to learning from this. My husband says that I am not ‘aware’ enough…Good luck.
Karen,
Thanks so much, yes it has been a challenging week, lessons to take away and changes to implement.
Hugs,
Melissa
How scary! I know I take things for granted. This is a good lesson to review all my information on my credit and identity.
Thanks for sharing to remind all of us to be more careful!
Mary,
Yes, very scary, and will follow with a post on what to do to stay safe and be prepared, simple steps we just forget.
Hugs,
Melissa
At an upscale mall they should ask for picture ID when you use a credit card. I’ve been asked to show my drivers license at grocery stores when I used a credit card.
Dennis,
Agreed, but according to the police officer I spoke with that evening, even when you put “see ID” in place of your signature on the back of the card, many of them don’t ask. I find it surprising that they don’t even pay attention to the gender, so that a man can use my cards with my obviously female name.
Think best deterrent is to have photos on our credit cards.
Hugs, Melissa
So sorry about your scary ordeal and loss of credit cards, phone, etc. Re credit cards I do not have my signature on them instead I have written “Check ID” something I learned in a prevent identity theft class. It helps though I am appalled that some people never bother to check! I hope that you get everything sorted out quickly. Having been the victim of having my car broken into it was not only scary but also felt very violated.
Elisa,
So sorry you have been through this too. I will say that AMEX rocked since it took one phone call to shut down 3 accounts and much faster than any other card. Unfortunately not everyone takes it and very glad I only had $25 in cash, insurance limit is $200. I’m liked to put check ID on back of new cards, though cop indicated it doesn’t work but 50% of the time. YIKES.
Hugs, Melissa
Wow! I am so sorry!!! Very good of you to pass on your lessons learned – I already realized that I am very lax in my identity recovery plan! Thank you!!
Ross,
More lessons coming, stay tuned! And also lost PADI identity card and haven’t started replacing that yet.
Hugs, Melissa
Wow – in a matter of minutes. I am always impressed with how quickly you “handle situations”. You analyze the problem, consider the options, and make the best decisions possible. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to the further posts.
Kenny,
You are very generous with your comments. The week was not without a low point that picked up with Pharrell Williams song Happiness . . . music to the rescue!
Hugs, Melissa
Melissa
This is your friend Chris in Southern California
So sorry to hear about getting your purse stolen……that really can be frightening and makes you feel violated
So you are always giving advice……..here is mine
I have what is called the Big 4
It is my wallet, my smartphone, my laptop , and my reading glasses. My philosophy is that unfortunately you have to assume there are dishonest people everywhere. Consequently I don’t let the big 4 out of my sight……….
I realize your car was locked and that is the hardest thing to prevent ……….someone breaking into your car.
But your handbag should always be with you and with your smartphone in it. It is a precaution that is worth it . No matter how short the period of time……………take it with you
I am not admonishing you….just saying that you should always have your purse with you……..It is too difficult to replace the things in it.
best regards
have other ideas if you want to call me
Chris
chillman33@gmail.com
714 365 1074
Chris,
If you noticed, I specifically requested NO advice. I have beaten myself up sufficiently and taken action to remedy, replace, and eliminate future issues.
Thanks,
Melissa
I am so sorry this happened to you Melissa!
How I operate:
I have a color copy of my license and passport on my computer and a hard copy “hidden” in my house. I also have these for my parents. They travel internationally a lot, so if I run into trouble or they do oversees I have their passport numbers plus photo just in case.
It sounds like you handled everything correctly as always.
At least you had your keys with you. You didn’t have to call a locksmith or obtain new car keys. That is one nightmare that you were saved from. There is nothing scary than someone knowing your address & having keys to the place.
I do always try to keep my keys separate from my wallet or pursue.
Nora,
A color copy did me no good at all. Unless I get a duplicate license (prohibited by law), I have to rely on birth certificate and other forms to prove identity.
My keys were with me as I had to run back into my condo, I can’t actually lock my keys in my car, since the cars I”ve had last 4 years have a sensor that beeps letting me know key is still in car!
Hugs, Melissa
I’m so sorry Melissa.
So glad you are such an “action” person and have already taken charge.
Thank you for sharing all of your experiences…good and bad..so we may learn and benefit from them!
I am now reminded of how vulnerable I am…will put a plan into place right away!
Anne,
Definitely put a plan in place, we are all vulnerable and it is easy to think it won’t happen to us. Not true today, unfortunately. And never think, as I did, oh “i’ll only be gone a couple of minutes.”
Hugs,
Melissa
Wow, what a harrowing story — and i am guilty of doing exactly this all the time when I forget something as I am leaving for an event. Now I will NEVER leave my purse in the car even if it’s “just for a minute”. Still, I can’t believe how brazen your thief was!
Did Lifelock help you?
Lisa,
I didn’t have Lifelock in place until this happened, and have to list all credit cards with them. Thankfully between online banking and credit card paper bills, I had number at my finger tips to stop cards before they had too much fun. All will be refunded, just a hassle.
Yes, ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PURSE! This was a costly way to get a new handbag. EEEK.
Hugs, Melissa
I’m sorry you had to go through that Melissa. Here it’s a little bit different. You can’t use a credit card without having the code. If you believe someone has used your credit card without your consent, the bank has to refund your money. If you pay online, the cards usually want you to identify yourself with your bank ID, which is your birth numbers (birth date plus 5 digits making it unique, and those numbers are usually only known by a few), a strong password, and a 6 digit code you get from a small device or an app on your phone.
It does take some time to replace a driver’s license. But you only have to have some form of picture ID, and your birth numbers in order. Most people here have at least two kinds of picture ID. People don’t carry their passports unless they’re on vacation, so that’s usually separate from the cards.
Linda,
Our system is more stringent on replacement of ID but less restrictive on credit card use. Yes, having my passport wasn’t smart, but I had my reasons. I’m going to get what we call a Sheriff’s ID to keep at home as a legal picture ID that I won’t carry with in case of future issues.
Hugs,
Melissa
That is terrible Melissa I hope you manage to sort it all out.
Some years ago we were camping with our family in Spain and someone (without waking any of us up) – came into the tent and took my two young daughters handbags with all their holiday money in. Luckily I had all the most important documentation in my handbag – which I kept under my pillow. Still we spent the next 2 days in a local police station and had to make our insurance application when we got back to the UK. Even when I am in a UK hotel I still sleep on my pillow. As a family over about 20 years we have had 4 theft incidents – if that turns out to be average everyone should bear it in mind.
Should have said ‘ still sleep with my bag under my pillow’ 🙂
Jeannette,
I knew what you meant! I’m not a camper so no worries there. What a frustrating way to spend your vacation. When traveling, alot of times, I wear clothing with inside pockets or zipped pockets for security purposes, better than risking my purse being cut off me. I”ve traveled abroad a lot and never had an incident, very lucky.
Hugs, Melissa
Hi Melissa, This has bothered me all week. So sorry that you have this going on. You are amazingly resourceful and your strength is an inspiration to everyone. Thanks so much for using this experience as a means to help others. You are a blessing to us all. Hugs. Ellie
Ellie,
Better me than many other folks who may not have the resources, support or ability to handle something like this. It was a wake up call to be careful what you wish for (all I wanted was a new purse!) The universe works in mysterious ways.
Hugs,
Melissa
Wow Melissa, just said a prayer for you. Glad they could not do to much damage. It is disturbing to know someone was watching you like that. I pray Psalm 91 over you.
Thanks Jana,
All prayers always appreciated.
Hugs,
Melissa
Mellisa, This happened to me in November, a week before Thanksgiving outside a clients home. I left my handbag under the console, because I take in my briefcase and ‘stuff’. For what they got out of my handbag, vs. what it cost me was ridiculous. I could have just given whomever the cash, and they would have been ahead.
Hang in there. Several hundred dollars later you’ll have it under control. Yes, the new wallet and new purse are actually two of things that are so personal, it took way too much time to shop for them!
Good luck, blessings from Philly.
Debbie,
So very sorry to hear that. The biggest cost is the car fix at $5K, insurance is handling beyond deductible. Yes, you are correct, the inconvenience and time lost in replacement is frustrating. Lessons learned . . .
Hugs,
Melissa