NBSB Provides Tips on What to Do if You Lose Your Wallet

 

Everyone has had that frantic moment when they reach for their wallet and it’s nowhere to be found. After retracing our steps, we just cannot seem to find it anywhere. In that event, there is no need to panic. Taking these simple steps will ensure your information and finances stay secure.

 

Call your bank/credit union and your credit card companies.

Notifying them of your debit card being lost can take some liability away from you in regards to fraud. The sooner you report it; the sooner action is taken to keep your funds and personal information safe. Sometimes this notification can be through the merchant website or your Online Banking.

 

Get an inventory of everything you are missing and file a police report.

This will come in handy if you end up being a victim of fraud. This is especially valuable in the event that you had your social security number or other personally identifiable information in your wallet with your ID. Keep a copy of this for your records.

 

Contact all three credit bureaus.

Notify them that your personal information may have been compromised. They can place a fraud alert on your credit report. You can also do this online at any of the 3 credit bureaus for a year or for a 7 year period as well as freezing your credit so no one can open new credit in your name.

 

Request replacements:

Put a stop on all your credit cards and order new credit cards. Update your account information for any automatic payments you have.

  • Contact your state DMV for a new Driver’s License
  • Get new copies of your social security card and Medicare/Medical Cards.

 

Something to consider:

If you keep a spare house key in your wallet as well as anything with your home address on it, consider changing your locks.

 

Reach out to other companies that may be affected.

  • Health & Car Insurance Companies.
  • If your employee ID is compromised, your HR Department.
  • Membership Organizations such as health clubs.
  • Payroll direct deposit.

 

Protect yourself in the future:

Don’t carry these items in your wallet:

  • Social Security Card
  • Spare Keys
  • Credit cards you don’t regularly use
  • Passwords
  • Birth Certificate
  • Checks

 

Keep track of your wallet with a GPS tracking device:

These often slide right into your wallet like a credit card and you can locate your wallet anywhere using the connected app on your smartphone.

 

Keep a record of what’s in your wallet:

Take a photocopy of everything in your wallet and store in a safe and secure place in the event of future issues.

 

Keep an eye on your accounts:

Monitor all bank account and credit card statements closely to make sure there is no fraudulent activity. Also, review your credit report annually to confirm there has not been any fraudulent inquiries or extensions of credit in your name.

 

Experian has a great checklist if this unexpected event happens to you.

 

You can also find a pre-populated detailed checklist here:

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