This incident happened to me on April 30th at Lake City, FL. I used my visa-debit card to pay for produce at a local market on April 29th. I handed my card to the clerk behind the register to swipe on an old style credit card machine. I did not get it back, got distracted and left the store without it. The next day, April 30th, I discovered that my card was missing and immediately called that market. The girl on the phone quickly denied having it or any knowledge of a card found. I then notified my bank to cancel the card. Not soon enough though. Someone had already used it and made 4 purchases at different stores on April 30. I also notified the local sheriff's office and filed a complaint.
The sheriff was quick in their investigative work and found, through surveillance video, that it was an older person, male, black, 6 foot tall, wearing red shirt, jeans, big belt buckle, socks and sandals. The store could have caught the person if the clerk had paid attention to the name on the visa card (a female name) and that a male person was using it. That same man went back in, attempted to purchase again but was denied "right to purchase liquor". I'm not sure what that means but glad he was denied. On May 5, 2011, I took a copy police report to my bank for evidence of credit card fraud.The bank viewed all documents I submitted and credited all monies to my account which is close to $300 and a new card will be issued. Further investigative work will be processed by the credit card company.
Lessons learned. Never put your wallet back into your purse until your card is back in it. Don't get distracted and do watch what the clerk is doing with your card. There are other ways of stealing without having the card on hand. I was very upset but it could have been worse.
