What to do if you lose your wallet or purse

  1. Cancel your credit cards immediately. The key is having the toll free numbers and your card number handy so you know whom to call. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine and copy both sides of each license, credit card, Social Security Card, etc. and keep in a secure location at your residences. By doing so you will know the contents of your wallet and have a record of account numbers and phone numbers to contact to cancel all cards. Keep this information in a safe location so that you will remember where it is kept.

  2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent and is a first step toward an investigation.

  3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud security alert on your name and social security number if you have one.