Help! My Purse or Wallet was Lost or Stolen
Just about everyone will suffer from a lost or stolen purse or wallet at least once in their lifetime. It happens. Though stolen purses or wallets are a lot less likely, a lost one can put a consumer at just as much risk for identity theft. In the event this occurs to you, it is important to know what to do to prevent identity theft from occurring.
What Was In There?
The first thing you have to ask yourself when you realize that your personal belongings are lost or stolen is what did you have in there? A detailed report of what was in the card will be needed when you file a police report and will also let you determine what credit card accounts or bank cards to cancel. Quickly write down a list of what you had in your wallet or purse. This can include items like a library card, social security card, cash, credit cards, debit cards, bills or statements, passports, military identification cards, etc.
File a Police Report
Even if your wallet or purse was lost, you need to file a police report. Often those who find a lost wallet or purse are not the most honest individuals. Give a copy of your list to the police when you file your report so that they can catalog what was in the wallet or purse. Be sure to get a copy of the report to use for later.
Place Fraud Alerts
It is important to place fraud alerts on your credit reports when your purse or wallet is lost or stolen. Immediately contact all three credit reporting agencies and request a fraud alert or possibly even a credit freeze placed on your accounts to ensure that if anyone does access your information, they will have to jump through a few hoops to actually use it.
Drivers Licenses
In the event your driver’s license was lost or stolen, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles immediately and have them place a stolen/lost card warning on your license number. That way if a thief uses your driver’s license, it will show up as a lost or stolen card. You can also request a license number change for your newly issued card as well.
Credit Cards
If credit cards were in your purse or wallet, you need to immediately notify the issuer of the card and let them know such. Request new cards issued with different card numbers and ensure that they cancel the card that was lost or stolen. Ensure that they follow-up their cancellation requests in writing so that in the event the cards are not cancelled, but used, you will have documented proof you contacted them.
Checking Account and Banking Information
In the event your checkbook or debit card was in your purse or wallet, you need to notify your banking institution immediately. Request that your bank account be closed, account numbers and card numbers changed and have them follow up those requests in writing as well.
Remember that even if you lost your purse or wallet, you need to notify all of these contacts immediately to ensure that your information has not been used fraudulently.