What should I do if my wallet is lost or stolen?
While a lost or stolen wallet/PDA may simply mean the loss of your cash and credit cards, it may also be the beginning of an identity theft case. Let's hope for the best while taking steps to reduce your risk of identity theft. The return of the item does not guarantee that cards were not copied, so you need to proceed as if the items were stolen.
1. Identify what was in your wallet. Consider all cards and information, not just credit cards and driver’s license. Was your Social Security Card or number in your wallet?
2. Report the loss/crime to your local law enforcement agency and get a copy of the report. If the loss/crime happened at work, notify the HR and Security departments.
3. Keep a log of all correspondence and conversations. Keep copies of correspondence
4. Place a fraud alert with each Credit Reporting Agency
5. Order your credit report and review it for unauthorized account openings or change of address information
6. Contact creditors for any unauthorized accounts or transactions immediately.
7. Contact the state agency that issues drivers licenses and place a stolen/lost warning on your file
8. If out of the
9. Contact all credit issuers to request replacement cards with new account numbers. Monitor bills for any fraudulent activity on any accounts. Password protect all compromised accounts, with a password other then a mother’s maiden name or your social security number.
10. If you have lost a check cashing card, checkbook, savings account information or debit (ATM) cards, close the account and open a new account with a new number.
11. If you have lost a supermarket club card, cancel the card and request a new one
12. For all other lost/missing information, including library or video rental cards or any other cards with membership or insurance coverage information, contact the issuing company, notify them of the loss and request a new card.
Related Links:
Fact Sheet 104 - My Wallet or PDA was Lost or Stolen, Now What?
This Solution should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims or their
own use, should be directed to ITRC.
Solution 17, Copyright February 2008, Identity Theft Resource Center ®,
Created by the ITRC staff
This project was supported by Grant No. 2007-VF-GX-K038 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
Points of view in this document are those of the ITRC and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.