I THINK I may have had money stolen?

Question

I had $120 in my purse, in a white envelope. The cleaning lady has been over for the past few hours (still here now) and when she was cleaning downstairs my mom and I were upstairs. My purse was moved to a different spot, and my money is gone. I've checked the whole house for a white envelope, folded in half, and can't find it... what should I do? Should I casually ask her "have you seen a white envelope, folded in half?" or what? ARGH. $120...

Answer 1

DRAG!

You've kind of answered your own question by giving two answers that won't lead you to the money.  Just pray the 5% of the house you didn't check has your cash... and get a new cleaning lady.

Answer 2

I'd ask her and I'd say before I asked her "I hope I'm wrong, but...."

If she says she didn't do it say that you can't pay her because the money is gone and you'll have to pay her later.  

Answer 3

when it comes to paying her give her an empty envelope, demand your keys back and fire her.!!

Answer 4

Chances are she did steal your money. If you do ask her if she has seen your white envelope, she will most likely say that she hasn't.  You have to be very careful about leaving your purse or anything valuable, unattended when you have visitors in your home. And in some cases family too.  Just take it as a lesson learned. She is never going to confess that she took it. Time to start looking for a new cleaning lady.  

Answer 5

Its nothing you can do but be more careful...you cant just accuse her.

Also ask that bia why she moved your purse and then say she is responsible since she touched your purse.

Answer 6

Did you mom see you put the money away, and where your purse was before it was moved?  If so.. you have a witness and can confront her.

If not.. I would keep hunting.. explain to your mom the situation, and not allow that cleaning lady to come back again.  

Answer 7

Might I speak for the CLEANING LADIES out there... as I have been one for over 13 years....

Twice in my career, I have been suspected of stealing from my clients.  Once, I was interrogated by the Sheriff's office!  The other time, I was merely "let go" by the client and learned later of their suspicions.

I have never stolen from my clients.  I have better things to do, and I have a reputation to maintain.  And both times, I was cleared of all suspicions later on "down the line."

If you do suspect this person, the simple question to her is, "Oh, gosh!!  I'm SUCH a AIRHEAD!!!  I can't find the envelope with my money in it!  I had left it in my purse, just a little while ago.  Doreen... have YOU seen where I might have put the envelope?  I NEED that money to buy the baby's diapers and food!  I'm LOST without it!  I'm SUCH an airhead!  Could you please look around with me, or keep your eyes open for it?"

See?  You are "confronting" her about the issue without accusing HER of stealing.  In fact, you are asking for her help in FINDING the money for you!  The "buying diapers/food" is good, because it just puts more of an emphasis that the money is vital to your life-situation, and not some sort of "extra" money you have sitting around!

She may find the money, or noticed where YOU put the envelope in her cleaning "rounds." If she did take the money and lies to you, or doesn't "fess-up," and you suspect that's what happened, you at least gave her a CHANCE to come clean and return the money.

If you still feel uncomfortable about her in your home from now on, then wait until she's left, pay her, and then, during the week, call her and say, "Doreen, I'm sorry, but since I lost that money, I can no longer afford your services.  Please take me off your schedule."

Now, if she did steal it, then the natural consequence is that she has lost her job there.  Unless you can actually PROVE theft on her part (videotaping), you're SOL on the money.

Have a polite day.

Answer 8

If you are 100% sure. not 99.1, 99.5, or 99.9...I mean 100% sure your money was in your purse and no one was home but you and your mother. d**n right I would confront the cleaning lady. I would tell her is the 120.00 worth losing your job? Is it worth the bad reference you will get from us? By the time I finish with her she would have hid my money somewhere I could find it within 15 minutes of asking her.