From cash, to debit cards, credit cards, and your driver’s license, your wallet or purse carries the information and money that can cause your financial downturn if found in the wrong hands. So if you lose or misplace your wallet, or are robbed, be quick to take action.
If you’re robbed, call the police. Though you may not recover what’s lost, a police report can be proof that you were quick to protect yourself.
Cancel your credit cards immediately, and call your bank right away about debit or ATM cards. Even though some require a pin number in order to be activated, a smart thief may know these numbers. Other cards, such as credit cards, simply require a signature which is easy to fake.
Notify any of the credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This prevents any person from opening up accounts in your name.
Before any of this happens, it’s a good idea to make a front and back copy of all the cards you carry. Keep this along with your Social Security number in a safe place where you can access them if necessary.