What to Do if You Lose Your Purse or Wallet

In the age of identity theft, losing your purse or wallet can be a frightening experience. It is important to act fast and know the proper steps to take. This is a guide about what to do if you lose your purse or wallet.

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What Should I Do if My Purse or Wallet is Lost or Stolen

Linda Sherry from Consumer Action has some helpful advice about what to do if your purse or wallet gets stolen or lost. Watch the related videos for more information about identity theft and how to prevent it.

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Solutions: What to Do if You Lose Your Purse or Wallet

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Take Inventory of What's in Your Wallet

Take a wallet inventory. Empty the contents of your wallet and photo copy it all. If your wallet is lost or stolen you have all the information in one place. Copy front and back of credit/debit cards. Do not carry your social security card or birth certificate with you. They're both legal forms of ID and can be assumed and a nightmare to replace.

If your wallet is lost or stolen, call your bank first, then credit card companies, etc.

By Keeper from Morganton, NC

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Attach Important Items To Handbag

My daughter attached everything to my body when I lost everything, twice in six months. My bus pass, my glasses hang from my neck, my CC, cash, and driver license are in a small coin purse attached with an elastic band inside my handbag with a metal clip. I can pull this out, use my CC or show my DL and the elastic band requires me to return it to my my handbag.

Occasionally, I find the coin purse hanging outside my handbag and I know I have been careless and failed to return it to the inside of the bag. I still have it though and am happy that it is still attached to me.

By Avis from Boulder, CO

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When My Purse Was Missing

When I discovered I had no purse and had no idea where it was, I took that afternoon off from work. There was no way I could concentrate on any thing other than my loss.

I notified my bank first. Then I notified the companies of which I had credit cards in my billfold. Next I notified the License Bureau and State Board of Nursing, that my licenses were no longer in my possession.

I had the locks on the house doors changed that day. Thankfully, my car keys were in my coat pocket! If I had a cellphone then I would have notified the company right away too.

In less time than I imagined, I had replacement licenses and credit cards. These actions were very effective for me, and I recommend these same steps for others to follow who lose their purse or wallet.

By Julia C. from Indianapolis, IN

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What to Do If You Lose Your Purse or Wallet

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises you to, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily (having to hunt for them is additional stress you WON'T need at that point!).

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

Here's what is perhaps most important: Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

The numbers are:
Equifax 1-800 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at: 1-800-269-0271

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Have a Master List of Important Cards and Numbers

Because my husband and I travel so much, we came up with a way to have the most vital information in one easy and small space in case a wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen.

Every year, we type out a list that includes information on cards that almost all of us have on our person: credit cards, health/dental/auto insurance cards, drivers license, membership cards, and so forth.

Choose list columns that make sense (member number, customer service 800#, expiration date, etc). and print several lists to keep in a safe, lock box at home, in a purse or wallet, safety deposit box at bank, or anywhere else you feel it will be secure. If anything should happen, this list could be your lifesaver and all that information will take up no more space than 1 sheet of paper.

By Amy from Northern Virginia

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Questions

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Lost or Stolen Purse or Wallet

Tips for dealing with losing your wallet or purse. Post your ideas.

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Most Recent Answer

By ThriftyFun06/18/2005

Make copies of your important account numbers and phone numbers, so if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen, you can immediately phone to cancel credit cards, bank accounts, etc. Keep this information hidden in your vehicle trunk. It saves time, if you can do it immediately rather than wait until you get home. The sooner the better!

By Syd

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