Fraud Alert – Rise In ID Theft Through Stolen Purses and Wallets
We often write to remind folks concerning how crime may occur.
Today we’re writing to alert you to a real threat. The Lakewood Police Department is reporting 17 cases of wallets/purses being stolen from shopping carts at grocery stores in recent weeks. Older ladies seem to
be the most prevalent target. By life practice, we all need to reduce the amount of economic information we carry on our person at any time. One credit/debit card, one check, and your Colorado State issued ID Card or Driver’s License ought to be sufficient.
Here are suggestions:
- Carry a minimal amount of economic information in a neck wallet, fanny pack worn in front, or your front pocket. Do not carry economic information in your purse or wallet;
- If you are approached by a stranger asking about products or seeking to assist you with your groceries, when you are safely in your car call ‘911’ and notify law enforcement; be prepared to give a description of who approached you, your location, and the time of the occurrence;
- Make sure you store, in a safe place, the Customer Service telephone numbers for your bank and credit card companies; should your purse or wallet be stolen, immediately close these accounts;
- Bring a friend when you go shopping. Often there is safety in numbers. Don’t get distracted and be a sentry for one another;
- Do not have your purse or wallet in the child carrier shelf of your shopping cart, especially when you are loading groceries into your car;
- Never leave your purse in your car; do not ‘pop open’ your trunk, get out of your car and visibly place your purse in the trunk—thieves may sit in parking lots and watch for this practice.
Source: District Attorney Scott Storey, Office of Jefferson/Gilpin Counties, Colorado
To report fraud, ask a question, or schedule a ‘Power Against Fraud’ seminar, call: 303-271-6980
