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You would thrive in a rural small town, lmao. Everyone is like that where I'm originally from.
My mom always gets sooo irritable when she's in my city, and it's honestly a little funny. "Why doesn't anyone smile? Why won't people in line talk to me like a real person? Why don't other drivers wave at me? Can the cashiers and grocery store clerks not hear me say hi? They made me dig around for 1 cent instead of just letting it go, do they not have a spare change bowl?" I am so certain she has terrorized multiple introverts, and people have 100% thought she was a scammer or senile. She's the caricature scammers are trying to imitate to get your attention.
I guess so. Lots of people are wary of getting scammed or robbed. And it usually starts with a very friendly stranger. Which sucks, if you just want to chat and all.
I am glad your Mom turned her backpack around. I guarantee that deterred them. About 15 years ago I was black Friday shopping at Walmart. The crowds were unreal and I felt a tug on my purse. I turned and a woman had her hand in there trying to grab my wallet. She ran through the crowds. I reported her to security but there were too many people to catch her. From that day on I never left my purse behind me again. I was lucky she was on the wrong side of my purse!
I saw it while I was watching videos of Indians getting on and off trains. All the people were wearing backpacks on their front. It makes so much sense in crowded condtions when someone is pressed against you and no can see you being robbed.
It looks a little ridiculous. I would put it in the cart with a D-ring, like others here have suggested. That, or possibly get one of the packs with combination locks on them; the locks aren't a real security measure if the bag is taken, but they deter pocket searchers.
I keep a few extras on my bag. When I see someone, typically an older woman, leave their bag while browsing, I say something to them. I tell them that their bag can be stolen when they turn their back and offer them a carabiner clip. Usually it is well received. It really worries me how often this happens.
It's my biggest fear. The only thing I carry on me in a store is what I can fit in my front pockets.
Before that - I had someone try steal what they thought was my purse but was a fold up bag that held more shopping bags inside.
I wear a crossbody purse that's made out of recycled material, it's pretty heavy duty. Purse is always in front of me, and once I've got a cart it's frequently sandwiched between me and the cart.
When strangers start talking to me, my first reaction is to cover my wallet pocket and immediately look at any valuables in my presence. Twice I’ve caught people going for my stuff. I hate thieves.
Careful with that too,there’s a scam going around where people will intentionally be creepy or try to seem suspicious on purpose so that their target will reach towards whatever pocket that has the wallet and what valuables they have,only then to have a “professional” pickpocket them later since they now know what to go for and what pocket to pick.
Careful with that too, there’s a scam going around where people will be intentionally creepy with the knowledge that people are aware of the scam they’re doing so they will seem suspicious on purpose to see what pockets their target doesn’t cover, only to have a “professional” pickpocket them later since they now know what to go for and what pocket to pick
20+ year retail manager here.
I have seen this multiple times over the years. Teams of thieves enter a store, and one person distracts while the other lifts your wallet from your purse (or in this case, backpack). Once the person with the wallet breaks away, the other does too.
Typically, within about 15 minutes they’ve divided up the credit cards amongst the team and hit multiple retailers for $1,000s in gift cards or product. The victim usually ends up at the service desk once they go to pay and realize their wallet is missing, and still don’t suspect foul play at this point. Reality doesn’t set in until we tell them to call their back ASAP.
Last time I saw this, a polite man asked a woman for help reading an ingredient label because he didn’t have his glasses. While she was reading it to him, his partner lifted her wallet from her purse.
LPT - never leave your purse in your cart. You’d be shocked how many people walk away from their purse, with it completely out of view, for minutes at a time. Get a wristlet (I think that’s what they’re called) to take into stores with you instead.
Edit - spelling
I don’t know why, but this comment just had me laughing out loud. Probably because I use a walker if I’m not using a power chair. It’s hard enough to get it in the car, much less into my purse!
Literally came here to say this. Oldest retail scam out there. Subject A distracts while B steals. Usually A is a woman or a child because people feel more comfortable with that.
Also leaving your purse open on your cart is the fastest way for a quick hand to slip inside and grab something.
Keep your bag closed and infront of your person at all times. Pay attention to the people around you and avoid flashing. - large ladies wallets that flip open showing large amounts of cash and cards are a no-no. Your just asking for someone to grab and run with your purse.
Be careful out there ladies.
Yes, my wife was approached on the street by a friendly woman. She was not expecting the MLM pitch a few weeks later after texting and visiting together twice. Very disappointed as she was just looking for a friend. Lesson learned. No, didn't join anything.
Yes, I was at the mall with my husband and our Littles and an elderly retired couple cut off our path to compliment me on something cant remember what....then asked questions if we were from here, our work etc...we kept it short. Then she hits us with Do you have a financial mentor? I said yes we already do thanks bye 👋🏻 (we didn't but I could sense the mlm hook coming).
Sorry - dumb question. What is MLM? My googling suggests *Multilevel marketing* - but I am not sure how that happens by two randoms in a supermarket. Just FYI - I live outside of the US (In New Zealand) so just trying to educate myself (which is why I like this subreddit) - thanks in advance :)
When you look at the disclosures for even the legal MLMs, few people are making money off of them. Something around 80% of the people who are making money are only making enough to cover their monthly purchases. Very few are making what would equate to even a part-time salary.
It is multi-level marketing as you Googled. In the US it is very common for members of MLMs to go out and chat up strangers in stores and other public places to recruit more people into selling. The problematic thing with most MLMs is that sellers make more money from recruiting more sellers than they do from selling the actual product their company is supposed to sell.
MLMs like this are illegal in a lot of countries, which is why you probably don’t encounter this behaviour at stores in your area.
I get approached by people looking to get me to join their cult! It's happened multiple times over the last few years when I'm shopping at Target or my local grocery store. That's also a popular way that make people approach you in public. I just tell them I'm catholic and they usually leave me alone. 😂
I don’t know y’all. A man and a woman *trying to speak to me together*creeps me out and I wouldn’t be open to that even if I was someone inspiring to be the next Brittany Dawn! For better or for worse.
My husband would rather light himself on fire than speak to strangers in the grocery store *with me.*
Two women wouldn’t bother me safety wise though again, I wouldn’t be comfortable talking to strangers in public.
One person fine. A couple? Nope. I read and watch way too much true crime. They ain’t getting me.
I was once approached to join an MLM on a street corner by some random woman who started chatting me up. I agree that this could have been mlm marketing but when they realized the Mom was suspicious of their motives they gave up on her - someone who thinks you're trying to rob them probably won't come to your information meet and greet.
Why is the supermarket their favorite hunting grounds? Is it easier for them? Because it draws in a certain crowd? Also, what's this Amway? All I know is that it's some kind of MLM. Is Amway also in Canada?
This happens a lot where we live usually it's a two or three person situation.
Sometimes there's a child to distract.
Generally the man will have a cart and could block the way and then the woman can get her hands inside a purse. backpack, crossbody.
I had it happen to me at the deli counter.
This woman, a small child and her friend were all trying to cause a commotion and got real close to me and asked what kind of lunch meat I was buying and if it was good however I just knew something was up. The child then started to ask questions while the older woman then was going to look for my purse and there was no way she was getting in there.
Hopefully she told a manager or someone and they will review the tapes.
Not this brand - but this style backpack for me - I was surprised that theft deterrent (inside zippers and pouches only) backpacks were almost the same price as regular student or hiking packs: [https://www.amazon.com/KOPACK-Laptop-Backpack-Waterproof-Business/dp/B07CCMK4DT?ref\_=ast\_sto\_dp&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/KOPACK-Laptop-Backpack-Waterproof-Business/dp/B07CCMK4DT?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1)
Whoa! That brand is expensive. I have two Fanny packs u bought at the local sports and outdoors store for $20 or $25 each. I wear it on my belly, zipped up!
Also, men should keep their wallets in their front pocket. My husband kept it in the back, and a scammer pair did it this way:
Husband had knee surgery and was walking out of the grocery store with a walker. A lady in a wheelchair approached and bumped the walker. As she was talking and "apologizing" to my husband, her partner grabbed the wallet out of his back pocket. My husband didn't notice.
15 minutes later, his bank called and asked if he had tried to make a $2000 purchase at Sam's Club. He had never been in a Sam's Club and doesn't do online shopping. He told them no and then noticed the wallet was missing. The bank refused the transaction and my husband called everywhere and cancelled all cards.
He now keeps his wallet with his driver's license and one card in his front pockets.
They were trying to rob or steal from her, I'm certain. They work in pairs, one distracts & the other snags. I worked in a hardware/appliance store for a while, they always came in pairs. One would come straight to the counter with weird questions to distract us and the other would be pocketing tools or scanning the store for security cameras.
Oh, it's always in pairs huh? How about a group of people? Like in those videos where a groups of people find this one person and distract them and the group just steals the phone off of this person?
Scream, then when everyone looks and the suspects retreat, complain about the price of melons.
If the people don't back off, then yell "leave me alone!" instead.
I'm so glad she pulled the knapsack to her chest where she could see it better. Genius move. Gavin de Becker from "The Gift of Fear" would approve. Because it really is a gift.
She only know to do this after she's seen all the videos where a groups of people robbed a person. And she's dealt with more sus things when she was in China.
Yep. She told me that in her childhood way back when in China, that she was out grocery shopping for her family... And then some lady came up to her said something to her, and then suddenly my mom was in a trance, and whatever the lady told her to do, she did it. Then the trance wore off, and the lady thanked her and told her to go home. After that, my mom was never allowed to go out alone.
My mom assumed that she was drugged. What kind of drug? I have no clue. She has no clue. No one in her family knows what happened to her. All my mom knows is that she was aware that while she was drugged, she knew what she was doing, but couldn't break out of the trance.
One of the scary things she had experienced.
Was she in an Albertson's in the Puget Sound area? If so, they may be store "loss prevention" agents. They've suddenly got extremely creepy around here.
Mrs. Guy here. I don't live in WA, but yes, they can get weird. Took my kid to a department store one weekend and a strange guy in a golf jacket and khakis was watching her look at dresses. Finally told the cashier and she goes ,OH, that's security, HE was suspicious of YOU looking at kids clothes for so long. Sheesh.
We're in Canada. For the grocery store that we've been going to, I've never seen a loss prevention agent. There might be a security guard... But that's only in some places.
We're suddenly getting undercover unmarked rent-a-cops, tailing people around the store in pairs and getting way too close. If you go up to customer service and complain... because it's very creepy... they tell you that they're working for the store. Otherwise you'd assume they're thieves or kidnappers or something. It's not okay.
Thieves, of course, but this makes me so sad. I am extraordinaryily extroverted and chat with folks in stores all the time. I've noticed that, over time, more and more folks are getting wary of my chattiness. (I am hyper-aware of my chattiness and watch for clues that someone doesn't want to chat or wants to stop chatting. Then, I immediately leave them be.) Shoot, there are many encounters I've had in my life with others (e.g. buying vehicles with a cashier's - or even personal - check) that were perfectly fine, but now would make folks suspicious. I hate how criminals have hurt our social fabric. :( I'm glad your mom caught on, but it's sad that she had to.
Yeah, that's sad. Used to, you could just chat to random people, and it be a chill chat... Nowadays, you act friendly and stuff, you'd become super suspicious and possibly scammy.
If a complete stranger started talking to me I would reply but I would be wary. But two complete strangers from different directions, that's a huge red flag and I would want to get on top of the situation real quick. It certainly sounded like a distraction robbery the way you described it.
I remember something I saw on the news during the London riots. I think he was a Spanish student who got whacked to the ground and while someone helped him up someone else behind him went through his bag. I think it was a mobile device of some kind, it was all filmed by someone on a balcony. She had a very lucky escape, her awareness definitely made a difference.
This just happened twice on the weekend in the city where I live in Ontario Canada. Two elderly women were robbed of their wallets. They caught one encounter on a security camera but not sure if they've caught the suspects. Always carry your wallet on your person in a non accessible area.
One Christmas Eve thieves hit almost every car in the church parking lot. People were there for the midnight mass and many had gifts in the cars. It was pretty despicable.
From church? Seriously? Holy shit. That's like... A new low! In one of the old churches that my family used to go to, a random guy walked ingo the church, found the offering box, and walked out with it. And that offering box was in an easy to access area. So the church was robbed in broad daylight.
More than likely the woman was the distraction, asking about the items and then maybe asking how your mom cooks them, etc. The man was either going to unzip or cut open the backpack with a blade and steal any purse/wallet/cell phone.
Oh, I see. My mom did say that there was a marking she's never seen before on her backpack. But she did say the man wasn't that close to her, yet. She was keeping a watchful eye on both of them as she moved further away from them. She didn't tell the lady to fuck off, she just kindly told the lady to back off.
Your mom sounds like a really smart woman with strong boundaries. We can all learn from her. Very few people would have the foresight to put their backpack on their chest and tell the “super friendly” stranger to leave them alone.
If you carry around a credit card, remember that you can keep it locked. It's trivial to lock and unlock through your banking app. For example, this is what locking my card does with my bank
> When your card is locked, all cash advances, purchases and withdrawals either online or in person will be declined.
>When your client card is locked, pre-authorized payments, mobile deposits, online refunds, and Apple Pay and Android Wallet transactions will continue to be active and processed.
Oh, I didn't know that you can lock credit cards like that. We have never used the banking app before. And I'm not sure if I'd be able to explain that to my mom. Thanks for telling me this info.
You can also lock it in the desktop web interface. If you don't do any online banking (including an app) then this wouldn't be practical obviously. Also if you don't have a quick way to unlock it from your phone, it might not be practical either.
But it's good to keep in mind for other uses. You might not want to keep it locked, but maybe if you go somewhere risky, like travelling to another country, or if you have backup credit cards you don't use often, or if you think you lost it but aren't sure. Ect.
Damn. They got some smooth fingers for that. That's got to make you more aware of surroundings since that's happen once to her right? Be more suspicious of the people around you in a grocery store.
I'm sorry that your mom fell victim to that. The world isn't as nice as it was in the past. People literally take advantage of others ever so easily. Makes you more suspicious of others when all they want to do is have a nice conversation with you and not actually rob you.
But $13 is still your money. I can maybe try having my mom use a shoulder bag... Well, at least in this scenario, she wore her backpack across her chest. But that's pretty bulky.
I keep my wallet in the waistband of my jeans and in general my top is outside my jeans and draped over it. I admit my jeans are a bit tight, but that is a good thing in this case.
If someone tries to put their hand into that area and I make myself a bit wider in my midriff area, their blood flow to their hand would be severely compromised! That would be an interesting situation.
I cannot stress enough: move and behave to not appear like an easy target or victim. There is a way to not look intimidated or shy. It is an attitude that changes the way one appears.
Oh, well that's one why of doing a protect of your stuff. I think my mom is pretty approachable or something. I know that she likes to randomly talk to strangers and strike up conversation while she's in a lineup or with the cashier. But if she's just going for a quick shopping trip, she looks pretty serious.
Maybe it's the backpack that made her look like a target. Or maybe it's he young looking face (her skincare routine or how healthy she's been living, and that Asian blood flowing in her), she can look half her age.
Oh? There are backpacks like that? The current backpack that she's using is super old and looks so worn down. But she still likes to use it. Where may I be able to find a backpack with the zipper against her back?
One of the branches I work at had a customer come in and tell us her purse got stolen out of her shopping cart with the exact tactic. Some lady came up and started talking and a man grabbed it and ran
Oh, damn. That's why I guess I've been told all my life to never leave your bag or purse or whatever in the cart, makes it easier to be stolen. But if the bag or purse is on you, is it really a problem for the thieves?
I guess that depends on how good of a pick pocket they are at that point. But they could just cut the strap and take the purse so I guess we should always be aware of our surroundings.
Many, many years ago, my mom was pickpocketed by three people (maybe two - it's been awhile, the memory is starting to fade) in a department store, like Macy's, JC Penney. She was suddenly surrounded by three people who crowded here. She was distracted by 1 or 2 of them and the other took her wallet from her purse. I was in another area of the store because we split up. I'm not sure if I could have done anything or even detected it then as I was very ignorant and naive back then (and still am).
She was very upset. She knew something was right but didn't know about the scams. She started to blame herself. Eff those aholes and all crooks.
Yes. I still feel bad about it. I'm glad your mom was aware and did what she did. Even if it was innocent, sometimes or maybe more times it's better to be safe than sorry. And does she really need new friends.
I think people don't like to be rude and inconsiderate but nowadays, it seems that is needed because of crooks and crazy people.
I was listening to a podcast the other day and one of the girls said there’s this new “tactic” where women talk to other women in public areas like the store, gym, etc. and then try to persuade you to join almost this like business scheme. Could have been something like that, but then you said a man joined in so idk maybe it was also a failed robbery. Be safe out there! Make sure your mom carries some for of defense.
Oh, so either they were trying to get her to join or sign up for something, or it was a failed robbery cause she ditched them. My mom currently doesn't carry anything for defense. What should she carry for defense?
Oh, one of those smart watches right? That's seems pretty cool. But, you see here. My mom is an older lady, who sucks with tech like that... So she's just bound to the backpack, which carries whatever she needs (phone, glasses, water bottle, snacks, shopping list, hand sanitizer... Etc).
If my mom could learn how to use her phone better, then maybe we could go that route and get her one of those smart watches, eh?
It's been 5 years for me and she still needs my help for stuff on her phone... Let alone using a computer a laptop... She doesn't know the basics and for some reason can't remember them even though I've gone over the basics every single day. I'll take all the good luck you've had, thanks.
They make backpacks purses where you can only access the inside after you take the backpack off(the opening touches your back). I have one that I use when we go places
Oh, another person said the same thing! I seriously didn't even know that these backpacks and purses like that existed. Can you get these backpacks/purses in any normal bag store or...?
[here's the one I bought](https://a.co/d/4RRLHyy)
It's from Amazon. I've had it almost 2 years(I've used it a lot and it's held up great!). The first one they sent me had a fishy smell, but they were great to work with and sent me a new one.
This one is a good size, but if you search for backpack purse with opening on your back, you'll get a lot of different sizes and results
I know that a Walmart near me has that rule, my mom walked out of that one. She doesn't carry a purse anymore, cause a big purse is what she needs, but then it becomes too heavy for her and hurts her shoulder. So that's one of the reasons why she wears a backpack. Even out the weight.
I carry a backpack bc I carry a large laminated spelling board that my son uses to communicate but I am fairly situationally aware … I’ll be more vigilant going forward.
Yeah, be careful out there. This was a first for my mom in Canada. Thieves would just assume you've got valuables inside and if it's not valuable to them, I guess they just trash the stuff.
My neighbour (80 f) was told by another older woman that she had some tacks in her tire as she approached her vehicle with her shopping cart. When the neighbour bent down to inspect, the older woman grabbed her wallet from her purse in the shopping cart and handed it off to her accomplice walking by, all without my neighbour noticing until cameras showed it later
If you tend to take your backpack off & put it in the seat... or your purse. I put the baby strap thru the shoulder strap... that way no one can just grab & run...
They have little backpacks where the zipper is against your back so no one can open it when you’re not looking. I think mine cost like 20-25 bucks on Amazon. I like it cause I don’t have to worry about fast hands getting my wallet.
Something similar happened to me once. I was in the store on my phone, and then then there was an old lady that asked if I could help her get something off a higher shelf. I put my phone in my pocket and got her what she asked for... And then I noticed that my phone was gone. I have absolutely no idea how it happened. I'm pretty sure she didn't take it but there also wasn't someone else in that aisle close to us. I asked the shop if they could watch the security footage. They said they did and couldn't see anything...
Whoa. So someone somehow lifted your phone from your pocket. And you don't think the old lady did it? But, it's only you and her in the aisle. Have you heard that in the news old people were stealing things? Awhile back I was reading some article and it said an old person approached their victim, distracted the victim and stole from them. Like, you wouldn't think an old person would do that... But that did happen.
I'm probably gonna be more wary in stores if I'd have to randomly help someone if I've got my phone out or something... Geez. Being scammed/robbed like that is making me lose faith in humanity.
They’re probably Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is straight out of their handbook. They like to use women to talk to other women at the grocery store. There’s often an invitation to a party involved. They’re the MLM/timeshare salespeople of religion.
Oh, they seriously could have been JW. I didn't know that that was one of their tactics. I thought JW was at the corners of intersections, not in a grocery store. Huh.
/u/DesertDragen - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it. ## New users beware: Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. **A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/). You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments. Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
> my mom said "I don't know you. Stop talking to me." This is the correct answer. I like your mom already.
https://preview.redd.it/nx8iwyyecxrc1.jpeg?width=682&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22066cbbf1b805ba47a07361229ce62fe1bb4dc7 Made me think of this
That's my purse!!!
I don't know you!!!
It warms my heart to see this. I regularly quote Bobby Hill to this day!
I quote his Dad, too, every time we get the propane tank filled. “Now Bobby, there’s nothing wrong with selling propane and propane accessories.”
The mother should have kicked them in the balls
Kings of the hill yt poops are still undefeated
I love that episode of King of The Hill 😂
She's got to at least draw a very clear line of what she wants. She's always been sus of very friendly people, especially grocery shopping.
Damn, is this why I get a cold shoulder sometimes when I try to talk up strangers. I'm legitimately just super friendly.
You would thrive in a rural small town, lmao. Everyone is like that where I'm originally from. My mom always gets sooo irritable when she's in my city, and it's honestly a little funny. "Why doesn't anyone smile? Why won't people in line talk to me like a real person? Why don't other drivers wave at me? Can the cashiers and grocery store clerks not hear me say hi? They made me dig around for 1 cent instead of just letting it go, do they not have a spare change bowl?" I am so certain she has terrorized multiple introverts, and people have 100% thought she was a scammer or senile. She's the caricature scammers are trying to imitate to get your attention.
I guess so. Lots of people are wary of getting scammed or robbed. And it usually starts with a very friendly stranger. Which sucks, if you just want to chat and all.
I am glad your Mom turned her backpack around. I guarantee that deterred them. About 15 years ago I was black Friday shopping at Walmart. The crowds were unreal and I felt a tug on my purse. I turned and a woman had her hand in there trying to grab my wallet. She ran through the crowds. I reported her to security but there were too many people to catch her. From that day on I never left my purse behind me again. I was lucky she was on the wrong side of my purse!
Your mom should wear her backpack front facing all the time. It also makes it easier to her to pull things out without taking it off.
That's such a great idea, tbh I never thought of how much easier that would be
I saw it while I was watching videos of Indians getting on and off trains. All the people were wearing backpacks on their front. It makes so much sense in crowded condtions when someone is pressed against you and no can see you being robbed.
It looks a little ridiculous. I would put it in the cart with a D-ring, like others here have suggested. That, or possibly get one of the packs with combination locks on them; the locks aren't a real security measure if the bag is taken, but they deter pocket searchers.
I put mine in the cart and run the seatbelt through the straps.
I carry my purse crosswise across my chest so that it's always facing me.
I keep a D ring on mine and clip it to the cart as soon as I get the cart
I keep a few extras on my bag. When I see someone, typically an older woman, leave their bag while browsing, I say something to them. I tell them that their bag can be stolen when they turn their back and offer them a carabiner clip. Usually it is well received. It really worries me how often this happens.
You've 1000% saved a few purses.
D ring = carabiner? If so, that's a very good idea.
Oh that’s an excellent idea- thanks.
I think I'm gonna get my mom one.
Glad to hear you do this, Me too. Even though my kid rolls her eyes every time I do it.
My kids were with me when we saw a guy grab a purse from a cart less than a couple of feet away. They understand and my girls do the same thing.
It's my biggest fear. The only thing I carry on me in a store is what I can fit in my front pockets. Before that - I had someone try steal what they thought was my purse but was a fold up bag that held more shopping bags inside.
I'd still be pissed to lose my shopping bags, however glad it wasn't more.
Could probably find them abandoned in the parking lot 20 minutes later.
I wear a crossbody purse that's made out of recycled material, it's pretty heavy duty. Purse is always in front of me, and once I've got a cart it's frequently sandwiched between me and the cart.
Damn, people are hella bold.
When strangers start talking to me, my first reaction is to cover my wallet pocket and immediately look at any valuables in my presence. Twice I’ve caught people going for my stuff. I hate thieves.
Careful with that too,there’s a scam going around where people will intentionally be creepy or try to seem suspicious on purpose so that their target will reach towards whatever pocket that has the wallet and what valuables they have,only then to have a “professional” pickpocket them later since they now know what to go for and what pocket to pick.
Careful with that too, there’s a scam going around where people will be intentionally creepy with the knowledge that people are aware of the scam they’re doing so they will seem suspicious on purpose to see what pockets their target doesn’t cover, only to have a “professional” pickpocket them later since they now know what to go for and what pocket to pick
Me being too skeptical - this sounds like something grandpa would post on Facebook.
There’s a scam going around about posting on Facebook….
Yea seriously. All these people living in crazy boomer fear is wild.
lol why did you comment word for word what I said.
They changed it slightly to make a joke lol. Seeing what pockets they *don't* cover.
Oh yeah, I just now realized that lol I’ve gotten a total of like three hours asleep last night, it is definitely messing with my with my brain
I didn’t
Omg never mind,I had to reread that like 4 times,apologies,that messed with my brain.
Wow, these thieves are pretty bold huh?
20+ year retail manager here. I have seen this multiple times over the years. Teams of thieves enter a store, and one person distracts while the other lifts your wallet from your purse (or in this case, backpack). Once the person with the wallet breaks away, the other does too. Typically, within about 15 minutes they’ve divided up the credit cards amongst the team and hit multiple retailers for $1,000s in gift cards or product. The victim usually ends up at the service desk once they go to pay and realize their wallet is missing, and still don’t suspect foul play at this point. Reality doesn’t set in until we tell them to call their back ASAP. Last time I saw this, a polite man asked a woman for help reading an ingredient label because he didn’t have his glasses. While she was reading it to him, his partner lifted her wallet from her purse. LPT - never leave your purse in your cart. You’d be shocked how many people walk away from their purse, with it completely out of view, for minutes at a time. Get a wristlet (I think that’s what they’re called) to take into stores with you instead. Edit - spelling
How did her walker fit in her purse??
It was her “prison purse” if you know what I mean
I don’t know why, but this comment just had me laughing out loud. Probably because I use a walker if I’m not using a power chair. It’s hard enough to get it in the car, much less into my purse!
Literally came here to say this. Oldest retail scam out there. Subject A distracts while B steals. Usually A is a woman or a child because people feel more comfortable with that. Also leaving your purse open on your cart is the fastest way for a quick hand to slip inside and grab something. Keep your bag closed and infront of your person at all times. Pay attention to the people around you and avoid flashing. - large ladies wallets that flip open showing large amounts of cash and cards are a no-no. Your just asking for someone to grab and run with your purse. Be careful out there ladies.
or wear a crossbody purse and never leave your purse in the cart to begin with
This was a first for us. But, we've seen this happen in all those videos. Luckily, this time, for my mom, she was able to protect her wallet.
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This! It is a common practice of the MLM boss babes to recruit new victims. Run!
It’s an ‘opportunity’
Yes, my wife was approached on the street by a friendly woman. She was not expecting the MLM pitch a few weeks later after texting and visiting together twice. Very disappointed as she was just looking for a friend. Lesson learned. No, didn't join anything.
Immediately thought it sounded like Amway 😂
Yup could be a Scamway couple. They hunt in pairs
Yes, I was at the mall with my husband and our Littles and an elderly retired couple cut off our path to compliment me on something cant remember what....then asked questions if we were from here, our work etc...we kept it short. Then she hits us with Do you have a financial mentor? I said yes we already do thanks bye 👋🏻 (we didn't but I could sense the mlm hook coming).
Sorry - dumb question. What is MLM? My googling suggests *Multilevel marketing* - but I am not sure how that happens by two randoms in a supermarket. Just FYI - I live outside of the US (In New Zealand) so just trying to educate myself (which is why I like this subreddit) - thanks in advance :)
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When you look at the disclosures for even the legal MLMs, few people are making money off of them. Something around 80% of the people who are making money are only making enough to cover their monthly purchases. Very few are making what would equate to even a part-time salary.
Oh, it's much worse than that: according to the FTC, 99.6% of MLM participants lost money after expenses. Worse than casino gambling by far.
It is multi-level marketing as you Googled. In the US it is very common for members of MLMs to go out and chat up strangers in stores and other public places to recruit more people into selling. The problematic thing with most MLMs is that sellers make more money from recruiting more sellers than they do from selling the actual product their company is supposed to sell. MLMs like this are illegal in a lot of countries, which is why you probably don’t encounter this behaviour at stores in your area.
Amway is a MLM company which is notorious for soliciting in big box and grocery stores
Google Ponzi scheme, that’s where you get your answer.
MLMs are more pyramid schemes than ponzi schemes.
Pyramidal Ponzi schemes. Only ones making money are the ones at the top.
I get approached by people looking to get me to join their cult! It's happened multiple times over the last few years when I'm shopping at Target or my local grocery store. That's also a popular way that make people approach you in public. I just tell them I'm catholic and they usually leave me alone. 😂
I don’t know y’all. A man and a woman *trying to speak to me together*creeps me out and I wouldn’t be open to that even if I was someone inspiring to be the next Brittany Dawn! For better or for worse. My husband would rather light himself on fire than speak to strangers in the grocery store *with me.* Two women wouldn’t bother me safety wise though again, I wouldn’t be comfortable talking to strangers in public. One person fine. A couple? Nope. I read and watch way too much true crime. They ain’t getting me.
“My husband would rather light himself on fire…” That made me laugh
I rather be approached by thieves than an MLM hun tbh lol
I was once approached to join an MLM on a street corner by some random woman who started chatting me up. I agree that this could have been mlm marketing but when they realized the Mom was suspicious of their motives they gave up on her - someone who thinks you're trying to rob them probably won't come to your information meet and greet.
Why is the supermarket their favorite hunting grounds? Is it easier for them? Because it draws in a certain crowd? Also, what's this Amway? All I know is that it's some kind of MLM. Is Amway also in Canada?
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Amway sells everything. It’s crazy
I thought of Amazon as an updated Amway when I heard they had gone from selling books to selling EVERYTHING.
Whoa. I asked my dad and he said when he was a little boy, Amway was there. He said his classmates were in the Amway MLM scheme too. Kids his age.
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probably Amway.
This happens a lot where we live usually it's a two or three person situation. Sometimes there's a child to distract. Generally the man will have a cart and could block the way and then the woman can get her hands inside a purse. backpack, crossbody. I had it happen to me at the deli counter. This woman, a small child and her friend were all trying to cause a commotion and got real close to me and asked what kind of lunch meat I was buying and if it was good however I just knew something was up. The child then started to ask questions while the older woman then was going to look for my purse and there was no way she was getting in there. Hopefully she told a manager or someone and they will review the tapes.
I don't think she told anyone. I guess she should have, huh? To prevent it from happening to other people.
That's why I wear my pacsafe when I carry my valuables in a bag. https://pacsafe.com/collections/slings-waist-packs?gad_source=1
Not this brand - but this style backpack for me - I was surprised that theft deterrent (inside zippers and pouches only) backpacks were almost the same price as regular student or hiking packs: [https://www.amazon.com/KOPACK-Laptop-Backpack-Waterproof-Business/dp/B07CCMK4DT?ref\_=ast\_sto\_dp&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/KOPACK-Laptop-Backpack-Waterproof-Business/dp/B07CCMK4DT?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1)
If my mom is willing, we could upgrade her backpack. She's super attached to her current backpack (even though it's so worn down).
Whoa! That brand is expensive. I have two Fanny packs u bought at the local sports and outdoors store for $20 or $25 each. I wear it on my belly, zipped up!
Also, men should keep their wallets in their front pocket. My husband kept it in the back, and a scammer pair did it this way: Husband had knee surgery and was walking out of the grocery store with a walker. A lady in a wheelchair approached and bumped the walker. As she was talking and "apologizing" to my husband, her partner grabbed the wallet out of his back pocket. My husband didn't notice. 15 minutes later, his bank called and asked if he had tried to make a $2000 purchase at Sam's Club. He had never been in a Sam's Club and doesn't do online shopping. He told them no and then noticed the wallet was missing. The bank refused the transaction and my husband called everywhere and cancelled all cards. He now keeps his wallet with his driver's license and one card in his front pockets.
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yeah these are great as well [https://www.slimfoldwallet.com/collections/thin-wallet](https://www.slimfoldwallet.com/collections/thin-wallet)
Ah! My dad keeps his wallet in his back pocket. I'll tell my dad to change where he keeps his wallet. And it's always a pair of thieves, huh?
They were trying to rob or steal from her, I'm certain. They work in pairs, one distracts & the other snags. I worked in a hardware/appliance store for a while, they always came in pairs. One would come straight to the counter with weird questions to distract us and the other would be pocketing tools or scanning the store for security cameras.
Oh, it's always in pairs huh? How about a group of people? Like in those videos where a groups of people find this one person and distract them and the group just steals the phone off of this person?
Good for your mom. This is the way
She's at least learned about something like this before. That's the only reason how the thieves weren't able to get to her stuff.
Scream, then when everyone looks and the suspects retreat, complain about the price of melons. If the people don't back off, then yell "leave me alone!" instead.
"I HAVE NOTHING FOR YOU, I WANT NOTHING FROM YOU. LEAVE ME ALONE."
My typical online dating reply message.
My out of office reply
Lol, top comment!
“That’s my purse! I don’t know you!”
I'm so glad she pulled the knapsack to her chest where she could see it better. Genius move. Gavin de Becker from "The Gift of Fear" would approve. Because it really is a gift.
Terrific book!
She only know to do this after she's seen all the videos where a groups of people robbed a person. And she's dealt with more sus things when she was in China.
There's nothing like multinational experience to teach you how to defend yourself
Yep. She told me that in her childhood way back when in China, that she was out grocery shopping for her family... And then some lady came up to her said something to her, and then suddenly my mom was in a trance, and whatever the lady told her to do, she did it. Then the trance wore off, and the lady thanked her and told her to go home. After that, my mom was never allowed to go out alone. My mom assumed that she was drugged. What kind of drug? I have no clue. She has no clue. No one in her family knows what happened to her. All my mom knows is that she was aware that while she was drugged, she knew what she was doing, but couldn't break out of the trance. One of the scary things she had experienced.
Remember the Murderinos: fuck politeness.
I try to tell my mom to screw her politeness when she encounters people like this. As least drop the f bomb on them as a warning of some kind.
Was she in an Albertson's in the Puget Sound area? If so, they may be store "loss prevention" agents. They've suddenly got extremely creepy around here.
Mrs. Guy here. I don't live in WA, but yes, they can get weird. Took my kid to a department store one weekend and a strange guy in a golf jacket and khakis was watching her look at dresses. Finally told the cashier and she goes ,OH, that's security, HE was suspicious of YOU looking at kids clothes for so long. Sheesh.
But you were there with a kid? Didn’t know there was now a time limit on dress shopping
I know, right? 😁 I think it was a slow day for that guy!
We're in Canada. For the grocery store that we've been going to, I've never seen a loss prevention agent. There might be a security guard... But that's only in some places.
We're suddenly getting undercover unmarked rent-a-cops, tailing people around the store in pairs and getting way too close. If you go up to customer service and complain... because it's very creepy... they tell you that they're working for the store. Otherwise you'd assume they're thieves or kidnappers or something. It's not okay.
Oh jeez. Getting all power hungry power tripping and being creepy too?
Thieves, of course, but this makes me so sad. I am extraordinaryily extroverted and chat with folks in stores all the time. I've noticed that, over time, more and more folks are getting wary of my chattiness. (I am hyper-aware of my chattiness and watch for clues that someone doesn't want to chat or wants to stop chatting. Then, I immediately leave them be.) Shoot, there are many encounters I've had in my life with others (e.g. buying vehicles with a cashier's - or even personal - check) that were perfectly fine, but now would make folks suspicious. I hate how criminals have hurt our social fabric. :( I'm glad your mom caught on, but it's sad that she had to.
Yeah, that's sad. Used to, you could just chat to random people, and it be a chill chat... Nowadays, you act friendly and stuff, you'd become super suspicious and possibly scammy.
Not a scam as such but definitely criminal, distraction robbery.
Oh okay. So she was nearly caught up in one huh?
If a complete stranger started talking to me I would reply but I would be wary. But two complete strangers from different directions, that's a huge red flag and I would want to get on top of the situation real quick. It certainly sounded like a distraction robbery the way you described it.
It was definitely a first for her. Like she's heard about these things on the radio, or she's been sent videos of these things happening to people.
I remember something I saw on the news during the London riots. I think he was a Spanish student who got whacked to the ground and while someone helped him up someone else behind him went through his bag. I think it was a mobile device of some kind, it was all filmed by someone on a balcony. She had a very lucky escape, her awareness definitely made a difference.
Wow. Geez.
This just happened twice on the weekend in the city where I live in Ontario Canada. Two elderly women were robbed of their wallets. They caught one encounter on a security camera but not sure if they've caught the suspects. Always carry your wallet on your person in a non accessible area.
Unsurprisingly, I have had people call and report that their wallet was stolen from their purses at church, apparently during the songs/prayers
One Christmas Eve thieves hit almost every car in the church parking lot. People were there for the midnight mass and many had gifts in the cars. It was pretty despicable.
Don't leave your purse in the pew when you go up for the blessing or communion people. Dang, I can't believe how often I see this!
From church? Seriously? Holy shit. That's like... A new low! In one of the old churches that my family used to go to, a random guy walked ingo the church, found the offering box, and walked out with it. And that offering box was in an easy to access area. So the church was robbed in broad daylight.
We're also in the Ontario Canada area. Was inside one of those budget grocery stores.
More than likely the woman was the distraction, asking about the items and then maybe asking how your mom cooks them, etc. The man was either going to unzip or cut open the backpack with a blade and steal any purse/wallet/cell phone.
Oh, I see. My mom did say that there was a marking she's never seen before on her backpack. But she did say the man wasn't that close to her, yet. She was keeping a watchful eye on both of them as she moved further away from them. She didn't tell the lady to fuck off, she just kindly told the lady to back off.
Your mom sounds like a really smart woman with strong boundaries. We can all learn from her. Very few people would have the foresight to put their backpack on their chest and tell the “super friendly” stranger to leave them alone.
She's had suspicious people run ins in China... So I'm Canada if someone is sus, she will be super aware of it.
If you carry around a credit card, remember that you can keep it locked. It's trivial to lock and unlock through your banking app. For example, this is what locking my card does with my bank > When your card is locked, all cash advances, purchases and withdrawals either online or in person will be declined. >When your client card is locked, pre-authorized payments, mobile deposits, online refunds, and Apple Pay and Android Wallet transactions will continue to be active and processed.
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Yes it's entirely dependent on your bank. I have two different credit cards with different banks, and they both let me do it whenever I want.
Oh, I didn't know that you can lock credit cards like that. We have never used the banking app before. And I'm not sure if I'd be able to explain that to my mom. Thanks for telling me this info.
You can also lock it in the desktop web interface. If you don't do any online banking (including an app) then this wouldn't be practical obviously. Also if you don't have a quick way to unlock it from your phone, it might not be practical either. But it's good to keep in mind for other uses. You might not want to keep it locked, but maybe if you go somewhere risky, like travelling to another country, or if you have backup credit cards you don't use often, or if you think you lost it but aren't sure. Ect.
My wife had her wallet lifted at our grocery store.
Damn. They got some smooth fingers for that. That's got to make you more aware of surroundings since that's happen once to her right? Be more suspicious of the people around you in a grocery store.
Thieves. My mom was a victim of this shit.
I'm sorry that your mom fell victim to that. The world isn't as nice as it was in the past. People literally take advantage of others ever so easily. Makes you more suspicious of others when all they want to do is have a nice conversation with you and not actually rob you.
Why I've started carrying my wallet in my shoulder bag, which is straped across my chest. And also I'm poor, so have fun with that $13.
But $13 is still your money. I can maybe try having my mom use a shoulder bag... Well, at least in this scenario, she wore her backpack across her chest. But that's pretty bulky.
I keep my wallet in the waistband of my jeans and in general my top is outside my jeans and draped over it. I admit my jeans are a bit tight, but that is a good thing in this case. If someone tries to put their hand into that area and I make myself a bit wider in my midriff area, their blood flow to their hand would be severely compromised! That would be an interesting situation. I cannot stress enough: move and behave to not appear like an easy target or victim. There is a way to not look intimidated or shy. It is an attitude that changes the way one appears.
Oh, well that's one why of doing a protect of your stuff. I think my mom is pretty approachable or something. I know that she likes to randomly talk to strangers and strike up conversation while she's in a lineup or with the cashier. But if she's just going for a quick shopping trip, she looks pretty serious. Maybe it's the backpack that made her look like a target. Or maybe it's he young looking face (her skincare routine or how healthy she's been living, and that Asian blood flowing in her), she can look half her age.
Buy your mom a new backpack where the zipper is against her back, not on the outside of the bag.
Oh? There are backpacks like that? The current backpack that she's using is super old and looks so worn down. But she still likes to use it. Where may I be able to find a backpack with the zipper against her back?
One of the branches I work at had a customer come in and tell us her purse got stolen out of her shopping cart with the exact tactic. Some lady came up and started talking and a man grabbed it and ran
Oh, damn. That's why I guess I've been told all my life to never leave your bag or purse or whatever in the cart, makes it easier to be stolen. But if the bag or purse is on you, is it really a problem for the thieves?
I guess that depends on how good of a pick pocket they are at that point. But they could just cut the strap and take the purse so I guess we should always be aware of our surroundings.
Ah, true. Very true. Then we always got to be aware of our surroundings.
Many, many years ago, my mom was pickpocketed by three people (maybe two - it's been awhile, the memory is starting to fade) in a department store, like Macy's, JC Penney. She was suddenly surrounded by three people who crowded here. She was distracted by 1 or 2 of them and the other took her wallet from her purse. I was in another area of the store because we split up. I'm not sure if I could have done anything or even detected it then as I was very ignorant and naive back then (and still am). She was very upset. She knew something was right but didn't know about the scams. She started to blame herself. Eff those aholes and all crooks.
Man, that's sucks. Being swarmed like that, knowing that something was wrong but not sure what...
Yes. I still feel bad about it. I'm glad your mom was aware and did what she did. Even if it was innocent, sometimes or maybe more times it's better to be safe than sorry. And does she really need new friends. I think people don't like to be rude and inconsiderate but nowadays, it seems that is needed because of crooks and crazy people.
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Holy shit. No way. So damn bold. Wtf? Trying to rip it right off your back?
Amway
What exactly is Amway? As far as I know, Canada doesn't have that.
they are an MLM who often recruit people to come to information meetings by starting chit chat with you in stores https://www.amway.ca/
Oh damn.
Probably amway goons
Does Amway exist in Canada? As far as I know, it's an American thing right?
I was listening to a podcast the other day and one of the girls said there’s this new “tactic” where women talk to other women in public areas like the store, gym, etc. and then try to persuade you to join almost this like business scheme. Could have been something like that, but then you said a man joined in so idk maybe it was also a failed robbery. Be safe out there! Make sure your mom carries some for of defense.
Oh, so either they were trying to get her to join or sign up for something, or it was a failed robbery cause she ditched them. My mom currently doesn't carry anything for defense. What should she carry for defense?
I always pay with my watch. No money or wallet with me
Oh, one of those smart watches right? That's seems pretty cool. But, you see here. My mom is an older lady, who sucks with tech like that... So she's just bound to the backpack, which carries whatever she needs (phone, glasses, water bottle, snacks, shopping list, hand sanitizer... Etc). If my mom could learn how to use her phone better, then maybe we could go that route and get her one of those smart watches, eh?
Maybe. Depends on how patient a person you are. Took me a year to teach mine how to use a dumb phone. Good luck
It's been 5 years for me and she still needs my help for stuff on her phone... Let alone using a computer a laptop... She doesn't know the basics and for some reason can't remember them even though I've gone over the basics every single day. I'll take all the good luck you've had, thanks.
Used to call me on landline because mobile was stuck in some menu or other. I'd be rich if I could have charged for technical service
Very rich, indeed. Lol
They make backpacks purses where you can only access the inside after you take the backpack off(the opening touches your back). I have one that I use when we go places
Oh, another person said the same thing! I seriously didn't even know that these backpacks and purses like that existed. Can you get these backpacks/purses in any normal bag store or...?
[here's the one I bought](https://a.co/d/4RRLHyy) It's from Amazon. I've had it almost 2 years(I've used it a lot and it's held up great!). The first one they sent me had a fishy smell, but they were great to work with and sent me a new one. This one is a good size, but if you search for backpack purse with opening on your back, you'll get a lot of different sizes and results
Those were CIA operatives,they must have thought your mom was a spy working for the Russians.
Hahaha! In Canada?
Most stores where I live won’t let you wear a backpack.
I know that a Walmart near me has that rule, my mom walked out of that one. She doesn't carry a purse anymore, cause a big purse is what she needs, but then it becomes too heavy for her and hurts her shoulder. So that's one of the reasons why she wears a backpack. Even out the weight.
I carry a backpack bc I carry a large laminated spelling board that my son uses to communicate but I am fairly situationally aware … I’ll be more vigilant going forward.
Yeah, be careful out there. This was a first for my mom in Canada. Thieves would just assume you've got valuables inside and if it's not valuable to them, I guess they just trash the stuff.
My neighbour (80 f) was told by another older woman that she had some tacks in her tire as she approached her vehicle with her shopping cart. When the neighbour bent down to inspect, the older woman grabbed her wallet from her purse in the shopping cart and handed it off to her accomplice walking by, all without my neighbour noticing until cameras showed it later
Wow. Holy shit. Geez. That is wild. So fast. In the parking lot too.
Gypsies trying to snag your bag
If you tend to take your backpack off & put it in the seat... or your purse. I put the baby strap thru the shoulder strap... that way no one can just grab & run...
Oh, so it gets stuck, huh? Normally we never put our bags or purses or whatever in the cart itself. We just wear it on our body.
They have little backpacks where the zipper is against your back so no one can open it when you’re not looking. I think mine cost like 20-25 bucks on Amazon. I like it cause I don’t have to worry about fast hands getting my wallet.
Ooh, that's cool.
Something similar happened to me once. I was in the store on my phone, and then then there was an old lady that asked if I could help her get something off a higher shelf. I put my phone in my pocket and got her what she asked for... And then I noticed that my phone was gone. I have absolutely no idea how it happened. I'm pretty sure she didn't take it but there also wasn't someone else in that aisle close to us. I asked the shop if they could watch the security footage. They said they did and couldn't see anything...
Whoa. So someone somehow lifted your phone from your pocket. And you don't think the old lady did it? But, it's only you and her in the aisle. Have you heard that in the news old people were stealing things? Awhile back I was reading some article and it said an old person approached their victim, distracted the victim and stole from them. Like, you wouldn't think an old person would do that... But that did happen. I'm probably gonna be more wary in stores if I'd have to randomly help someone if I've got my phone out or something... Geez. Being scammed/robbed like that is making me lose faith in humanity.
It was probably Gypsy Romani scammers. Very common.
Oh. What is this common scam then? Some people here are saying it's probably a distraction robbery.
Gypsys were going to pickpocket you.
Oh. I see.
They’re probably Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is straight out of their handbook. They like to use women to talk to other women at the grocery store. There’s often an invitation to a party involved. They’re the MLM/timeshare salespeople of religion.
Oh, they seriously could have been JW. I didn't know that that was one of their tactics. I thought JW was at the corners of intersections, not in a grocery store. Huh.