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  90 votes.

Think again as it can happen to the best of the best. Michelle Singletary, financial writer for the Washington Post, is embarrassed that it happened to her. Michelle left her handbag on the front seat of her car as she dashed into a building for a quick errand. A thief broke the car window to steal it.  Upon returning home (and after filing a police report), she received a phone call from a supposed bank manager who claimed to have recovered her missing handbag.  He spent a lot of time talking to her about the contents and calming her with other small talk.  Michelle readily gave up her PIN number verbally to him during the call. Once the numbers left her mouth she knew she was in trouble. Thugs took $600 from her account. Her bank has offered a provisional credit in that amount as they investigate the robbery.

How can you protect yourself?
-  Never leave your handbag or even cell phone in your locked car. If a thief can see it, it's
    tempting and easy to get by smashing a window.  Instead, lock these and other valuable
    or important items in your trunk.
-  Size down your pocketbook and leave home name or i.d. cards that you rarely or
    infrequently use. Leave your checkbook home and pay with credit cards or cash.
-  If you are the victim of a theft, call the police and get a copy of the report. Give a copy of
    that report to your bank.
-  Never accept a call from a merchant, banker, credit card rep, or any other person posing
    to help you. Refuse to give any information until you can call them back, but not at the
    phone number they give you. Independently verify the phone number with one in the
    phone book or with directory assistance. Read the full story of Michelle's ordeal and her
    advice to you. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54493-2001Jan27.html