FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Forsyth County family is warning others after their mother had her wallet stolen and more than $10,000 charged to her credit cards.
It all started with a simple request for directions in a Cumming Costco parking lot.
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The 75-year-old was loading up her car at the Costco on Bald Ridge Marina Road in broad daylight, but her daughter claims a pushy couple asked for directions in a successful effort to distract her.
“Her purse unfortunately was still in the buggy, and she looked at the phone and said, ‘That’s not far’ and started to give them directions, being a helpful person,” said Ashley Glass, who said it appears the couple helped themselves to her 75-year-old mother’s wallet when she wasn’t looking. It wasn’t until the victim got home that she realized something was wrong.
“They walked away, and less than two hours later (we) got calls from credit card companies. Within two hours the charged $10,000 Best Buy, Nordstrom,” said Glass.
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Investigators with Cumming Police Department are now looking for the pair, trying to find images from store cameras. They are warning others: thieves are looking for targets.
“I wouldn’t carry a large amount of cash on you, just a card on you. And if you are using cash, don’t take it out of your pocket until the cashier ask(s) you for that,” said Cumming Police Sgt. PJ Girvan.
Glass said her mother didn’t need the eight different credit cards she had on her when this happened, and she made the classic mistake so many have made of leaving a purse in a grocery cart. This is why her mother will likely get a crossbody purse for Christmas.
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As for holiday shopping, Glass said her mother had enough.
Law enforcement also recommend avoiding any distractions by staying off your phone, and if you can shop with someone, that can often deter criminals.
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