I told readers in a previous blog that someone close to me is stealing from me. It started out with 20 or thirty dollars about 1 per month or so. Maybe even a little less. I hid my money so that this person would not be able to take any more from me. Money is a lot of people's weakness. I have needed money off and on in my life. I certainly understand the pull to steal when you don't have it. I thought if i removed the money the friendship could continue. I have recently discovered that this person stole money from my account using my ATM card. This money was being saved for my mortgage payment for December. If you read my blog you have read about my struggles to stay in my home. That Emergency Mortgage Assistance I got really bailed my butt out. One of the requirements to getting the assistance loan is that you agree to give your portion of the mortgage payment by the first of every month. THERE IS NO GRACE PERIOD. If the money is not there I default on my loan and they stop helping me with the mortgage and I must PAY BACK everything that is owed. In order for me to get the money there in time. I save money from the month before. So part of my disability money that I get for November goes to pay December's mortgage and so on. This person took money from my payment for December. I may not be able to earn enough money to replace it in time. That means I will have to take out a pay day loan. These are loans that are for small amounts of money that charge way too much interest. While they have helped out in the past, I spend way too much paying them off. I only use them in dire emergencies.
Crimes against people with disabilities are common. In a 2007 Department of Justice report, People with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to have crimes committed against them. Since there are just reported crimes, I think the actual number is much higher. As an advocate for people with disabilities, I would suggest that the victim of this crime do some very simple things. Change her ATM Pin number or get a new card with a new pin. I have opted to change my PIN number. If this is person is in your home often, hide your valuables in a safe place and check your balances and monies often. Consider reporting any theft to the local authorities. I have hidden my money and my cards, changed my pin, I have my bank balances updated daily. (That is how I discovered this theft) I have also notified the bank that this withdrawal was not authorized. I would also tell the victim of this crime to consider not speaking or being around this person any longer. In my case that will be difficult. I believe the person who did this is close with my family. If I have them arrested or pursue this matter, I may have to cut ties with my family. I hate to do this especially around the holidays but I may have no choice. I really do not want to go there for Thanksgiving. I have about a week to make up my mind on that. My my dad died in December. I am now having financial issues. It is important to me to share Christmas with my family. I also hate the idea of being here alone. I do know that I will not allow someone to take advantage of me to the point where I cannot keep a roof over my head or food on the table. If I am pushed too far I will cut ties with my family. I hope it does not come to that. I hope you all are never put in this position and take care
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