The Update

Sliding And Purse Safety

You’ve heard the stories and seen the video clips of purses being stolen from vehicles while parked at gas stations. “Theft by sliding” is what it is commonly called. While you are pumping your gas, you probably don’t think anything of that car that is pulling up alongside yours. After all, aren’t they just going to use the pump next to you?

You get back into your car and (sooner or later) realize your purse is gone. They weren’t going to pump gas after all. Once they drove up next to your car, they quietly opened their door and then yours to “slide” into your vehicle to take your purse. It was quiet. It was fast. It happened without you even realizing it.

The “sliding” trend may be new, but purse snatching isn’t. It can happen anywhere. Gas station, grocery store, church, park bench. Anywhere you sit or stand, you could be a potential target for having your purse stolen. While the makeup, notepads, pens or toys in your purse can be easily replaced, replacing your financial identity requires much more effort.

Here are some simple ways to protect your purse and your financial identity:

At a Gas Station:

Take your purse with you to the pump. Don’t leave it on the passenger seat. Don’t leave it in between the two front seats. Lock your doors. Keep your windows up. Be aware of your surroundings. It is easy to get distracted by the music that’s playing, kids trying to talk to you or even in watching other people.

Public Settings

The same applies to your purse while you are in public settings. Don’t leave it in the cart at the grocery store while you shop. Don’t leave it at the restaurant table while you step away. Don’t leave your purse unattended while at that concert, museum, movie or church service.

You can also be prepared in case your purse is stolen. Don’t carry irreplaceable valuables in your purse. That could include an expensive new electronic device or that family photograph. (By the way, you really should make a copy of that for home.) Don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Make copies of the fronts and backs of any credit cards that are in your wallet. Consider cleaning out your wallet, too. Do you really need to carry every store credit card with you when you go to the grocery store?

And always remember, your life is more valuable than your purse or even your financial identity!

More Control. More Security. Less Stress.

RGCU’s digital platform puts powerful card control right at your fingertips—turn your card on or off, set alerts, manage your accounts, transfer funds, pay anyone, make mobile deposits, and stay in control wherever you are.

If you - as an RGCU member -  have been hacked, look into your debit and credit benefits. RGCU card holders have personal identity theft assistance. If your identity has been stolen, you could be reimbursed up to $5,000 to help with identity recovery. This is a way that we want to help our members, especially during a confusing and stressful time.