This is a different kind of post for me today, but one that I feel that I should share.
Last Friday I forgot my lunch at home.
On the counter.
It was that kind of day.
My co-worker and I decided to run across the street to grab a quick lunch, and since we weren't in any hurry, we decided to eat there rather than at our desks.
A social attempt that had a rather unfortunate outcome.
You see, Jason's Deli at Lake and Dearborn is a popular lunch spot, full of tables close together and plenty of people.
When I was bumped into I didn't think anything of it.
I saw my purse rock back and forth on the back of my chair but went back to my salad without a care.
When I got back to my desk about 20 minutes later, I received an email and a phone call from Bank of America simultaneously.
Fraudulent charges.
$410.
WHERE IS MY WALLET?!?!?
In a panic I ran back to the deli and spent the next few hours canceling my life, filing a police report and trying to breathe.
I felt so stupid, but more than that I felt...violated.
Sure, it could have been worse: I could have been mugged, my whole purse could have been stolen, the bank could have not notified me right away and more charges could have happened, etc.
And, I guess, if this is the first time this has happened and I've lived in large cities since 2007 then I think I'm doing pretty well on the fraud front.
But here's the thing: I am OCD about checking my purse on the train and everywhere. I am constantly on alert. Chicago is lovely but is also quite scary, so I always know my surroundings.
However, I always hang my purse on the back of any chair that I sit in public.
And my every day purse doesn't have a zipper.
And my wallet was big and easy to spot.
Never again.
I will carry bags with zippers from now on and I will either have my bag on me or in between both feet able to be seen in full view. Every woman I have told my story to was shocked and all said that they hang their purses on the back of their chairs. I hope I changed their minds the next time they are out!
Please don't make my mistake and think that it won't happen to you because you are smarter than me: don't hang your purse on the back of your chair where you can't see it! My co-worker sat across from me and didn't see it happen, so it's definitely possible that this could happen to you, too.
Don't tempt fate!
You may not live in a big city, or you may live in a different city, but theft and fraud happen everywhere. Please be alert. Canceling cards and payments and opening new accounts is a real pain.
And the uncertainty and fear isn't fun, either.
I'm so thankful Andrew came to meet me, calmed me down and helped me out with everything. He's the best!
I promise happier posts in the future, but I had to share my experience to hopefully prevent this from happening to you :)
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