Ever lost your wallet? It can be frustrating.
For one reason or another, your wallet goes missing. One study found that only about half of lost wallets are returned. But there are things you can do to keep yourself safe.
First, take an inventory of everything that was in your wallet, then call the police and notify them of the loss or theft, making sure you get a police report.
Next, call any issuers of credit or debit cards to report the cards lost or stolen. Typically, the issuers will cancel the old card numbers and issue new numbers.
Submit a fraud alert with the four main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and Innovis, so you are contacted when any new account is opened in your name. Consider periodically reviewing your credit reports for any irregularities. You are allowed four free credit reports each year. To order from the first three Credit reporting agencies, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or dial 877-322-8228. Your credit report from Innovis must be ordered from www.innovis.com/personal/creditreport. Consider freezing all four credit reports independently and remember, freezing your credit report does not affect your current credit cards or usage.
Finally, report your lost or stolen driver’s license with your local DMV, your Social Security card to the Social Security Administration, and any membership cards or insurance cards, so you can get replacements.
Following these few steps will create a paper trail after your wallet goes missing, ensuring a simple loss doesn’t turn into something bigger.