It can be very frustrating when you’re on the road to find that you have lost a purse or wallet or worse yet had it stolen. It’s pretty easy to accidentally leave it at a store counter or on the bathroom sink in a rest area. While it’s way better to not do such things, if you do, you need to take quick action to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.
First of all, if you remember where you left the item, return to the scene as quickly as possible. If you leave it at – for example – a restaurant, call the location if you are not able to return immediately and request that your item is placed in a secure area, such as in the manager’s office. This is also an option if the business will be closed before you have a chance to return.
If you don’t remember where you left the item, it’s best to treat it like it has been stolen. There is no harm in having your credit cards and license replace even if you get the originals returned at a later date. You may even want to do so if you’re able to retrieve your items from a business. There is no guarantee someone hasn’t copied the information from your credit cards and ID and then placed them back in your wallet.
Getting items replaced is easy enough. For credit and debit cards, simply call the number on the back of the card. If you don’t have the cards, call the financial institution that issued them. You should be directed to the right people.
For your license, go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. Sure, this part will be a pain. You’re best to go in the morning when it first opens to avoid waiting in line.
Don’t keep items like your passport or Social Security card in your wallet. These are much more of a pain to replace, and they contain information that is much more valuable to identity thieves.
Anyone can lose his or her purse or wallet. It doesn’t just happen to scatterbrained people. It is especially likely if you are under a period of stress. To help prevent too much damage from being done, sign up for an identity theft protection policy from LifeLock or another service provider. That way you can be notified if someone is trying to use your information and can notify your creditors immediately. This is important even after you cancel your cards.