WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Losing something as personal as your wallet or purse can be very upsetting and quite unsettling. After the initial shock subsides, most people's thoughts turn to that very question, "What do I do now?"

REDUCE YOUR RISK

A bit of advance planning can mean time and frustration saved later in the event it happens to you. Take the time to copy both sides of everything in your wallet:

Driver License
Insurance Cards
Credit, Gasoline and Retail Store Cards
Voter Registration
Membership and Club Cards
Library and Community Cards
Checking Account Debit Cards

Keep this important paper in a safe, locked place at home. In the event of a lost wallet, you will not have to rely on memory, but will have detailed copies of the contents to work with.

DO NOT Regularly Carry These Items:
Social Security Card
Passport
Birth Certificate
Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
Checkbook
ALL of your Credit Cards just one or two frequently used cards are recommended

These items create tremendous opportunity for identity thieves. Leave them locked in a safe, secure place at home.

DURING THE PROCESS

Keep detailed records of everything that you do regarding the lost wallet:
Date and Time of Conversations
Names and Contact Information of People You Talk To
Copies of Everything That You Mail or Fax
Receipts of Expenses Related to the Process (copies, postage, etc.)

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER THE LOSS OF YOUR WALLET

1) File a report with the police in the jurisdiction where the loss happened. Keep a copy of the police report.

2) Cancel the credit cards that were in your wallet by calling the issuer(s) immediately. Many companies have 24-hour toll-free numbers to deal with emergencies; the number is on the back of the credit card that you have copied and safely stored, or on the monthly statement.

3) Report the loss to the fraud department of the bank where you have your checking and savings accounts. Request that new accounts be opened, cards issued with new numbers and add a password to your account(s).

4) Report a missing driver license to your state department of motor vehicles. Also, contact your auto insurance specialist to inform them of the situation.

5) Contact all other companies whose cards were in your wallet, such as the library, fitness clubs, grocery stores, etc.

6) Contact your health insurance company if your insurance ID card is missing.

7) Contact your cell phone company if your phone

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