Steps To Follow For A Missing Wallet Or Purse

Here are some steps to follow if your wallet or purse was lost or stolen. The sooner you take action the better, so act immediately once you have discovered your wallet or purse missing.

1. File an official police report for the missing wallet or purse. Both bank and credit report agencies will require a copy of a police report with a case number. While filing the police report, be sure to include:
   • A detailed description of the wallet or purse
   • The last time you saw the missing wallet or purse
   • Where you think the wallet or purse was lost or stolen
   • The amount and type of currency, any credit or debit cards, information and identification cards that were in it
   • If any self-defense items were in it
2. Notify your bank and / or financial institutions.
   • Give them a copy of the police report and case number for the missing wallet or purse
   • Close or suspend your accounts and move your funds to new ones if necessary
   • Request that the bank contacts the major check verification companies so any further checks from your accounts will not be accepted
   • Cancel your ATM card and set up a new on with a different Personal Identification Number (PIN)
3. Cancel all credit cards and notify the credit card companies of recent transactions so they can determine if any fraudulent charges have occurred. Upon canceling credit cards new ones will be issued.
4. Notify the major credit reporting agencies, ask for the fraud or security department and request a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. Here is the contact information for the three major ones:
   • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
   • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
   • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
5. Notify the DMV if your drivers license was in the missing wallet or purse.
6. Three to four weeks after your wallet or purse went missing, obtain a free copy of your credit report so you can see if fraudulent transactions or suspicious activity has been made.