Written By: Chris O’Shea
Losing your wallet or purse can be a frustrating experience. Your credit cards, ID, keys and cash are all seemingly out there in the world for anyone to find. Despite the feeling of helplessness, there are ways to mitigate the damage. Here are some steps to take immediately after losing your wallet or purse.
Look First
Obviously, the first thing you want to do is look for your wallet or purse. There’s a good chance you will find it and the crisis will be averted. The last thing you want to do is start canceling your credit cards only to find the purse later.
Cancel Your Credit and Debit Cards
If you’ve conducted a thorough search and there’s still no purse, it’s time to get down to business. As US News suggests, contact your bank or credit union and tell them your wallet or purse was lost or possibly stolen. This will put the bank on high alert for fraudulent activity on your account. Your bank, credit union, or credit card lender will cancel your old cards and issue you new ones.
Freeze Your Credit
Contact the three major credit bureaus and freeze your credit (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) . This will stop anyone trying to take out a loan or open a credit card using your information.
Get a New License
Unfortunately, losing your wallet or purse means a trip to the DMV. Check your state’s website to see what documents you need before you make the trip.
Update Locks
If your keys were in the wallet or purse, you should replace your home’s locks. If you rent, contact your landlord and explain the situation so they can change the locks.