When your purse or wallet is lost, there is understandable concern for your cash, credit cards and identification falling into the wrong hands. This concern is heightened to fear if the wallet has been stolen since malicious intent is obviously involved. While you cannot prevent the worst-case scenario, identity theft, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
WHAT WAS IN YOUR LOST WALLET?
When figuring out what to do when you lose your wallet or purse, the first step to mitigating any potential issues is identifying what was in your wallet or purse. ITRC recommends cataloging this information for your personal records. When cataloging your electronic devices, also list the information or applications stored on those devices (passwords, login information, etc.). Commonly stored items in wallets and purses that can lead to identity theft or other forms of fraud include:
- Driver’s license/Identification (state, military, student, employee)
- Cell phone
- Credit or debit cards
- Green card or immigration papers
- Insurance cards and information (health, auto, etc.)
- Social Security card or number (personal or family members)
- Membership cards (Costco, library, gym, etc.)
- Passport
- Bills or statements
- Birth certificate
STEPS TO TAKE
If your wallet or purse was stolen you should file a police report and include a list of all items that were in your purse or wallet.
When figuring out what to do when you lose your wallet or purse, proceed with the following steps:
- Place a fraud alert and a credit freeze with the three main credit reporting agencies (CRAs) and request a copy of your credit report in order to examine existing and pending lines of credit.
- Contact the issuing agency or company for all cards, documents or devices that were lost or stolen. Cancel your old account and ask to be issued a new one. See if they can change your account number and add additional protections to your account.
For detailed information regarding what to do about specific items that were lost or stolen, contact our expert advisors for no-cost assistance and a personalized plan. Call toll-free at 888.400.5530 or LiveChat with us.
Related Resources
When Your Computer or Phone Is Hacked
Scammers and identity thieves (or “bad actors”) are increasingly trying to get access to your devices. So many of us carry our devices everywhere that ...
How Do I Prove I’m the Victim of an Identity Crime?
Recovering from an identity crime can be a time-consuming and exhausting process. Keeping track of all the steps you have taken, documents you have received, ...
Comparing Credit Locks, Fraud Alerts and a Credit Freeze
Placing a credit lock, fraud alert and credit freeze with each of the three major consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – ...
How Do I Know if I’m a Victim of an Identity Crime?
When discussing identity crimes with the public, one of the most common questions the ITRC receives is, “How do I know if I’m a victim ...
How Do I Find and Fix Fraudulent Activity on My Credit Report?
A credit report breaks down a person’s credit history, including all financial accounts, loans, bankruptcies and judgments. It also contains personal information, including your name ...
How Do I Protect My Bank Account from an Identity Crime?
Bank accounts are one of the most commonly reported accounts involved in identity crimes, as reported to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). Here are ...
