Making A Sad Face

I lost my VISA.

Sigh.

I'm not actually sure what happened... I have a small "wallet" type thing that fits a couple of cards and maybe a key or cash that I take when I don't want to take my entire purse or wallet or... handbag (?)

When I go for a walk, or something, I slip my VISA in there, along with five bucks and some photography business cards.  I've done it so many times with no issues.  I've had this little wallet thing for years.

Well, whatever day it was last week (Thursday?) I went to the gym.  I wanted to buy some tea on the way home (I walk there) so I took my little wallet with my VISA in it.  I also took a folded up fabric bag and put that in the same, zipped up pocket.

After my workout, I took my phone out of my pocket, and made my next appointments with the trainer and went on my way.  I may have also pulled out my headphones or something.

I was about a block from the store, when I went to feel for the wallet and it wasn't there.  I stopped.  Carefully searched both pockets and the pockets of my workout pants just in case.  Nope.  Not there.

Adrenaline rush panic.

Ok.  Ok.  Stay calm.

I texted the trainer to ask if she was still at the gym, she'd already left, but said she'd call them to ask.

I tried to convince myself that maybe I'd been careless and left it at home, so I hustled the rest of the way home and?  No.  Not there.  (Which I think I'd already known but wanted that moment of hope.)

I threw on some warmer gear (this was all happening in the evening, post dinner) and retraced my steps there, but quickly... hoping it had fallen out at the gym.

I got to the gym.  I searched the area.  Nope.  I waited for the receptionist.  I asked if it'd been turned in.  Nope.  We looked together again.  Nope.  Ugh.

I had that sinking feeling then... how bad was it going to be?

I figured not much damage would have been done.  I'd last had it in my hands about two hours ago and the tap technology only allows you to buy so much at once and so much in one day before you have to go back to the pin.  But still... it felt icky.

Someone had my stuff.  With my name on it. 

I walked home, trying to call VISA on my cell and having no luck and trying to stay calm, with a little luck.  I just wanted to call someone and have them come and take care of this with me and give me a big hug or ten.  And I wanted to cry. 

I hate having to be a grown up.

I got home and found the number and called VISA.

They were... of course "experiencing higher than normal call volume" so it was a bit of a wait.  All the while I'm imagining what someone was doing with my stuff. 

I got through and told them I'd lost my card.  They asked me if I knew what the number was.  Uh.. no.  Then they asked me what my S.I.N. was, which I took a minute to remember because... effing stress.

They asked me whatever identifying questions and then they cancelled my card.

They were about to hang up when I said "um, did anyone use it?"

I was pretty astounded that they didn't ask this.  Like... aren't you the fraud prevention people?  Shouldn't you be trying to make sure no one... you know... fradulently used my card???

But, no one had used it, thankfully, and then as he was hanging up, he reminded me that my new card will be a new number so I'll have to change any pre-authorized payments.

Ugh.

Talk about kicking me when I'm down.

So I got off the phone, had a good cry, and tried to make a list of all the places I'll have to contact (and hopefully not be on hold with...) when the new card arrives... in two to five business days.  Sigh.

Which means no online stuff can be done right now.  Which is fine.  Except for a couple of really important online transactions I need to do and now have to wait on.  Sigh.

So... when it comes down to it, I'm really not sure what happened. 

Might someone have gone through my pocket while I was working out?  Maybe.

Might it have slipped out in the gym when I grabbed my phone and I didn't notice and then someoen took it?  Maybe.

Might it have slipped out when I was walking (did I not re-zip up the zipper???) and it fell to the ground and someone took it?  Maybe.

The most likely thing is it fell out when I was getting out my phone and stuff in (or around) the gym.  And then I guess someone there was less than honest?

I'm not a criminally inclined person, but if I was going to steal a VISA card (ie not turn it in) I think I'd try to use it right away, no?

So... I'm not sure.

Maybe someone took the five bucks and chucked the rest.  Sigh.  I don't know.  It just feels icky and not knowing what happened or who might have my stuff is a gross feeling.  Plus, I really liked that little wallet and I've had it for years.

I contacted the police the next day and they told me to file a report in case it gets turned in (so they'd call me to come get it)  I would love to get the wallet back... but.... I'm happy that there weren't any charges made so that's the good thing.

It has been (and may continue to be) inconvenient to have to cancel my card and be without it, but I'm glad I'm not dealing with fraud charges and all that.

But still... either I was clumsy or someone was mean.  Either way, I'm not terribly thrilled.