When you’re panicked, you might forget important information or miss obvious clues that will help you locate your wallet.
Picture every detail you can to put yourself in the same frame of mind you were in when you last had your wallet. Eventually, you may remember something that makes a lightbulb go off in your head and jogs your memory of where you put it.
Brainstorm other places where you may have taken it out of your pocket, like if you wanted to show a friend your new license photo.
Gradually increase your search radius from the places your wallet should be. If you truly just misplaced it, it shouldn’t be far from its normal spots.
Contact your credit card issuer right away to report any credit card fraud you notice on your account.
If you use mobile banking, check your debit card app to see if you can freeze, unfreeze, or report missing cards without having to call the bank. Update any automatic payments you have scheduled with your new card information once it arrives to stay current on your bills. Replacement debit cards can take several business days to arrive, so use your passport as an ID to withdraw some money to see you through. Some bank branches can print a new debit card for you right away. Call ahead to see if your local branch has this feature.
The phone numbers for the major companies are: Mastercard: 1-800-627-8372 (US) or 1-636-722-7111 (Global) Visa: 1-800-8472-911 (US) or 1-303-967-1096 (Global, call collect) Amex: 1-800-528-4800 Discover: 1-800-347-2683 Under federal law, you aren’t liable for any fraudulent charges made after you report your card missing or stolen. [11] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source If you report within 2 days of theft, you’re only liable for up to $50 of charges. Reporting 3-60 days after theft makes you liable for up to $500. Leaving the theft unreported or reporting after 60 days may leave you liable for all fraudulent charges.
Read the free credit report that each bureau will send you after your request. Check for any unfamiliar activity or suspicious new lines of credit. A fraud alert on your credit line warns lenders to take extra precautions to vet applications for new credit cards, mortgages, or loans in your name.
Try requesting a new license online (go to your state’s official website ending in “. gov”). You’ll get a temporary ID until your new one arrives in the mail. [14] X Research source Your new ID will have the same number as your old one. If you discover your old ID is being used to commit fraud, request to have the number changed. There is typically a small fee to have a license reissued or replaced. Depending on your state, you may also need to replace your vehicle registration (however, getting the new license is a bigger priority).
Provide original copies of your birth certificate to verify your age and citizenship, plus your license, ID, or passport for identification. [17] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source If you have your SSN memorized, you probably don’t need to have a replacement card. The new card is free, but the application process can be a pain.
It’s possible that a criminal might make a copy of your key, even if they turn in your wallet with the original key in it.
Where and when you think you lost your wallet Everything that was in the wallet (ID, credit cards, amount of cash) A description of the wallet Possible suspects or descriptions of suspicious people if it was stolen
Copy the backs of your cards to have customer service numbers, CVV numbers, and credit card or account numbers on hand for identity verification. Most of the information you need, like account numbers or banking contact information, can also be found in your online or mobile banking accounts. Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Include only your ID or license, credit and debit cards, and health insurance card.
Tackle the most urgent replacements first, like credit and debit cards, your ID, or your Social Security card (if you had it in your wallet).
If you’re traveling abroad, write your contact information in a local language so the kind person that found it won’t have to translate anything to reach you.
Think mindfully about where to leave it if you’re storing it somewhere during an activity (like if you’re putting it in a glove compartment during a hike).
Most wallet trackers range from $25 to $70 and are a worthy investment compared to the hassle of canceling and replacing every card you have.
