How to React to a Stolen or Lost Wallet

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If your wallet is lost or stolen, don't panic, but do act quickly to safeguard your bank and credit card accounts and your identity.
Step 1: Make a list of the wallet’s contents
Make a list of the contents of your wallet, as best as you can recall.
Step 2: Notify the three major credit reporting agencies
Call or go online to ask the three major credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your accounts and to send you a credit report.
Tip
The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
Step 3: Report loss of your driver’s license
Report the loss of your driver’s license to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 4: Notify credit, debit, and ATM card issuers
Notify issuers of any credit, debit, and ATM cards. Request replacement cards.
Tip
Request written verification that these accounts have been closed, including time and date or verification number.
Step 5: Contact the Social Security Office
Contact the Social Security Office to get a new card if your card was in your wallet. Ask them to send you a Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement to look for any discrepancies.
Tip
The Social Security Office requires that you wait until June of the following year (after your taxes have been paid) to request the statement.
Step 6: Notify issuers of any other personalized cards
Notify issuers of any other cards that display your name, or membership/identification number and ask for replacement cards. These include check-cashing, long-distance calling, store membership, and library cards.
Did You Know?
Did you know? It is estimated that as many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year.