Don't be a Target

hillaryj

Subject: Don't be a Target

Be careful in Target!

Our weekend was ruined on Saturday when we schlepped ourselves and toddler over to Target to pick up a few things. We went early knowing it would be overrun by noon. Now, I go to Target a lot. It is close and has all the junk one would need for a toddler.
While shopping in Infant clothing, I walked away from my cart for a minute. When I came back, a tall, broad, older African American man was going through my cart. He was picking things up and saying, "Is this yours? Is this yours?" I stood speachless. He said, "Everything is falling." He then said, "This is mine" and he picked up some boys clothes and walked away. I immediately went through my jacket, and the diaper bag and my wallet was gone. We could not catch him. Though well meaning, the cops were not exactly moving quickly. And Target has several exits and a set of elevators.
As I worked to ID him, notify security and inform the cops, Muk watched the kid and tried to cancel credit cards. Later we found out that they charged almost 3,000$ worth of stuff (probably gift cards) in 45 minutes using two of my cards in 4 stores--not a one man job.
Yesterday I went to the 88th Precinct to look at photos. Evidently this is a big problem in Target at the moment. I mentioned that I feel comfortable in Target and the detective said, "That's the problem. People let their guard down."
Be warned---

H

brookfetish

Thanks for the heads up. Sorry that happened.

stacey

Subject: Re: Don't be a Target

Im so sorry to hear that. Thanks for letting us know.

jamesondean

Subject: Re: Don't be a Target

HillaryJ wrote: Be careful in Target!

Our weekend was ruined on Saturday when we schlepped ourselves and toddler over to Target to pick up a few things. We went early knowing it would be overrun by noon. Now, I go to Target a lot. It is close and has all the junk one would need for a toddler.
While shopping in Infant clothing, I walked away from my cart for a minute. When I came back, a tall, broad, older African American man was going through my cart. He was picking things up and saying, "Is this yours? Is this yours?" I stood speachless. He said, "Everything is falling." He then said, "This is mine" and he picked up some boys clothes and walked away. I immediately went through my jacket, and the diaper bag and my wallet was gone. We could not catch him. Though well meaning, the cops were not exactly moving quickly. And Target has several exits and a set of elevators.
As I worked to ID him, notify security and inform the cops, Muk watched the kid and tried to cancel credit cards. Later we found out that they charged almost 3,000$ worth of stuff (probably gift cards) in 45 minutes using two of my cards in 4 stores--not a one man job.
Yesterday I went to the 88th Precinct to look at photos. Evidently this is a big problem in Target at the moment. I mentioned that I feel comfortable in Target and the detective said, "That's the problem. People let their guard down."
Be warned---

H

People are fucking horrible. Thanks for the heads up, and glad you're physically ok.

candicissima

That really sucks. I lost my wallet this time last year also. It's a pain to say the least.

jamesondean

Subject: Re: Don't be a Target

JamesOnDean wrote: [quote=HillaryJ]Be careful in Target!

Our weekend was ruined on Saturday when we schlepped ourselves and toddler over to Target to pick up a few things. We went early knowing it would be overrun by noon. Now, I go to Target a lot. It is close and has all the junk one would need for a toddler.
While shopping in Infant clothing, I walked away from my cart for a minute. When I came back, a tall, broad, older African American man was going through my cart. He was picking things up and saying, "Is this yours? Is this yours?" I stood speachless. He said, "Everything is falling." He then said, "This is mine" and he picked up some boys clothes and walked away. I immediately went through my jacket, and the diaper bag and my wallet was gone. We could not catch him. Though well meaning, the cops were not exactly moving quickly. And Target has several exits and a set of elevators.
As I worked to ID him, notify security and inform the cops, Muk watched the kid and tried to cancel credit cards. Later we found out that they charged almost 3,000$ worth of stuff (probably gift cards) in 45 minutes using two of my cards in 4 stores--not a one man job.
Yesterday I went to the 88th Precinct to look at photos. Evidently this is a big problem in Target at the moment. I mentioned that I feel comfortable in Target and the detective said, "That's the problem. People let their guard down."
Be warned---

H

People are fucking horrible. Thanks for the heads up, and glad you're physically ok.

Oh, and since this is an ongoing problem, I think boycotting this particular Target until they've publicly addressed the problem and announced how they're dealing w/it (more plainclothes security, for instance) is a valid response. I was about to pick some stuff up there tonight. Now I won't.

alafairnadia

wow, that totally blows. glad you and your family are ok, though.

FYI - a friend of mine who lives in Prospect between Vanderbilt and Carlton was mugged Sunday night. he's OK, and the muggers were caught (without cash, but with lots of pot) less than an hour later at the bball courts over on Dean. so LOCK YOU DOORS and watch your back.

brookfetish

I'm a Target regular, having grown up with it my entire life. However, that particular Target is bleepin' horrible on so many levels - beginning with the staff. I've written to customer service about them, but I doubt that did any good. However, an issue like this might cause them to react differently if they are alerted of the problem.

jamesondean

I just called Target Corporate and let them know about the problem. While obviously, having your valuables in your possession at all times is the surface problem, since there's, by HilaryJ's account (also mentioning that the cops indicated this), an ongoing security issue, Target needs to do something about this.

I referred the rep to this thread, so I would imagine they'll see it forthwith. Hopefully their security measures will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary, rather than just some spinning.

Be careful out there...

hillaryj

Now, to the credit of Target, the cops at 88th Precinct find them to be very helpful and committed to catching these guys. They have extensive survelliance and staff watching the tapes (unlike other some other stores in the Atlantic Center). So I don't know if Target is to blame. I never felt uncomfortable there and since I know, at this time of year we are all there, I wanted to spread the word that it is common.

And Stacey--you rock! Thanks for the gifts. Let's get together soon.

Hillary

rah

BrookFetish wrote: I'm a Target regular, having grown up with it my entire life. However, that particular Target is bleepin' horrible on so many levels - beginning with the staff. I've written to customer service about them, but I doubt that did any good. However, an issue like this might cause them to react differently if they are alerted of the problem.

So I'm not alone in thinking this. The staff there is TERRIBLE. I seriously can't get over how incompetent they are. I was searching for Christmas cards (in the card area) asked a staff member where boxes of Christmas cards were located and was informed that Target doesn't carry them. Um yes they do, on the 2nd floor in the Christmas section which I finally found. This happens all the time.

muk

Just Gawked (5th item down),

http://www.gawker.com/news/saturday-night-live/remaidners-the-slow-redemption-of-snl-144080.php

jamesondean

Muk wrote: Just Gawked (5th item down),

http://www.gawker.com/news/saturday-night-live/remaidners-the-slow-redemption-of-snl-144080.php

Not to derail, but it slays me everytime someone says "Remember when SNL used to be funny?" It's always been funny. It just might not have been your flavor of funny. It changes over time, in response to our culture.

k, back to hating thieves...

dailyheights

Just to confirm: you are not liable for any of those charges, right? Right??

apollonia666

I never, EVER leave my bag in a shopping cart, not even for a moment. I always carry a bag with a long shoulder strap (to hell with those little namby-pamby short-handled bags -- too easy for someone to yank off of your arm) and I keep it looped around my neck and arm at all times in public.

This isn't at all meant to place blame on the victim here, but it sure makes me glad I'm such a paranoid freak case about my bag. A little paranoia's sometimes a good thing!

I just wish Target and other businesses would require you to show a photo I.D. to use a credit card.

muk

Not liable. God bless fraud protection.

dailyheights wrote: Just to confirm: you are not liable for any of those charges, right? Right??

greenermjr

The employees in target spend too much time socializing and not enough time f'in working.

metulj

apollonia666 wrote: her businesses would require you to show a photo I.D. to use a credit card.

Or require a manager's approval to buy 3 grand in gift cards. Sheesh.

brookfetish

You'd think that they could track the gift cards? If they used your credit card to buy them, then they can find the transaction. If they can find the transaction, they can determine the bar code for the gift cards. If they can do that, bingo.

jamesondean

BrookFetish wrote: You'd think that they could track the gift cards? If they used your credit card to buy them, then they can find the transaction. If they can find the transaction, they can determine the bar code for the gift cards. If they can do that, bingo.

Nope, they're not linked to the purchase mechanism (in this case, a credit card). AND they're not replaceable if lost. AND they expire/accrue interest, etc. Read the terms on these things if you like wonky stuff. It's all about the company--once they've sold you the card, they're off the hook. But again, there will be no record on the magstripe/card number, etc. which could help. Sorry. I'll be happy to be wrong.

arielbl

I had a similar experience last spring with my friend (its reported somewhere on this site). She left her purse unattended in the shopping cart and someone ran of with the whole thing. Fortunately, in her case she she was very lucky - the target/atlantic center security people caught the thief before she was even out of the building, and my friend got everything back. THe Target security head, who was very helpful, says this is an ongoing (and large) problem for them.

stacey

HillaryJ wrote: And Stacey--you rock! Thanks for the gifts. Let's get together soon.

Hillary

Im glad you enjoyed them! Yes lets get together soon! Did your little princess like her doll?

oiseau

apollonia666 wrote: This isn't at all meant to place blame on the victim here, but it sure makes me glad I'm such a paranoid freak case about my bag. A little paranoia's sometimes a good thing!

I agree! You can't turn your back on your wallet in NYC and expect it to be there.

muk

Definitely true. It's interesting how easy it can be to let your guard down in Target, as it really feels like a suburban department store planted in the middle of Brooklyn. Looks are certainly deceiving in this case though.

I don't think we'll make that mistake again.

Stacey - Jyothi loves her little "Maggie." Thanks again! We'll chat more after the holidays when we're back in town.

Oiseau wrote: [quote=apollonia666]This isn't at all meant to place blame on the victim here, but it sure makes me glad I'm such a paranoid freak case about my bag. A little paranoia's sometimes a good thing!

I agree! You can't turn your back on your wallet in NYC and expect it to be there.

ltjbukem

Subject: original poster,

i take it you're not from nyc originally. i am and never leave my wallet out for a second. i also always lock the car door as soon as i get in.

my wife, who's from the midwest, does neither of these and it drives me batty.

also, when she walks on the street, she doesn't hesitate to hold her pocketbook in her hand. i always warn her that someone can run past her, snatch it and be gone.

muk

Subject: Re: original poster,

I lived in Center City / West Philly for 10 years before moving up here, where crime was as bad, or worse, in places. I've been jacked and beaten up - paid my dues. However, I did grow up in the 'burbs before that, which accounts for the unconscious "if it looks like a mall department store, it's probably safe" attitude.

ltjbukem wrote: i take it you're not from nyc originally. i am and never leave my wallet out for a second. i also always lock the car door as soon as i get in.

my wife, who's from the midwest, does neither of these and it drives me batty.

also, when she walks on the street, she doesn't hesitate to hold her pocketbook in her hand. i always warn her that someone can run past her, snatch it and be gone.

magnus martyr

Yet another reason I won't go to Target.

Definitely been robbed before. Guns in the face are not cool, but live and learn they say. Sadly this problem is one people have to face and be prepared for when living in a big city. Just practicing some common sense can be the difference between no wallet and/or a bruised face or safe at home.

captain m

apollonia666 wrote:
I just wish Target and other businesses would require you to show a photo I.D. to use a credit card.

I dont sign the back of my credit cards, which technically should force them to check my ID. You'd be surprised how often they dont anyways.

emily

At places that have you scan your own card instead of having the cashier check it, I sign "CHECK ID" rather than my name. I was inspired by this guy's experiment.

jamesondean

Captain M wrote: [quote=apollonia666]
I just wish Target and other businesses would require you to show a photo I.D. to use a credit card.

I dont sign the back of my credit cards, which technically should force them to check my ID. You'd be surprised how often they dont anyways.

Almost never. I have "ASK FOR ID" on the back of my card, and it's proven to be largely pointless.

The experiment to which Emily refers proves that unless it's a gigantor purchase, you can get away with using a stolen credit card almost anywhere until it's cancelled. Biometrics (requiring a thumbprint with purchase, or other means of ID unique to the cardholder) would solve the problem, but there are privacy issues, along with the possibility that a determined thief could snip off your thumb.

The stores have no interest in slowing down traffic for a robust ID check; the payment association (Visa or MC) is on the hook for the purchase. For the associations, a certain amount of fraud is part of the cost of doing business, which they can write off anyway. I'm quite sure that the payments associations would take exception to that characterization, but that's the bottom line in my opinion.

So, again, don't let your cards out of your sight, ever.

wrecky718

Captain M wrote: [quote=apollonia666]
I just wish Target and other businesses would require you to show a photo I.D. to use a credit card.

I dont sign the back of my credit cards, which technically should force them to check my ID. You'd be surprised how often they dont anyways.

I never understood not signing the back of your card? If someone were to jack your credit card then they have a clean slate, and can sign your name in their handwriting.