News

We all need to find three sources who we trust and can explain what’s going on in the financial world. One of the ones I pay heed to is Jill Schlesinger.

Jill Schlesinger, CFP®, is the Emmy and Gracie Award-winning business analyst for CBS News, where she translates complicated business and economic news into understandable, relatable topics for everyday viewers and listeners.

https://www.jillonmoney.com/blog/

Losing your wallet is extremely stressful, but taking quick action can help minimize the risk of identity theft and financial loss. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you lose your wallet:

1. Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps

• Search your surroundings: Double-check all the places you’ve been recently, such as your car, home, or office, to make sure it’s not just misplaced.
• Ask around: If you were at a store, restaurant, or public place, ask staff or employees if anyone has turned in a lost wallet.

2. Report the Loss to the Authorities

• Contact local authorities: If you believe your wallet was stolen, report it to the police. They may be able to help with any follow-up or investigations, especially if your ID or credit cards are used fraudulently.
• File a police report: While it might not immediately help you recover the wallet, it can be important for any future fraud claims.

3. Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

• Freeze or cancel your cards: Call your bank and any credit card companies to report the loss and cancel or freeze your accounts to prevent unauthorized transactions.
• Request replacements: Ask for new cards and any other necessary documents (like checks) to be issued.
• Review recent transactions: Look at your recent transactions to ensure no fraudulent charges were made.

4. Notify the DMV (If Your ID Was in the Wallet)

• If your driver’s license or state ID was in the wallet, contact your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to report the loss and request a replacement.

5. Contact Other Issuers

• Health Insurance: If you had your health insurance card in your wallet, contact your insurer to report the loss and get a replacement card.
• Membership Cards: Report lost membership cards (e.g., library, gym, or frequent shopper cards) to their respective organizations and request replacements.

6. Monitor Your Accounts

• Monitor your bank accounts: Keep a close eye on your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
• Credit report: Consider requesting a credit report to check for any suspicious activity or signs of identity theft. You can get a free report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Set up fraud alerts: If you’re concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert on your credit file to notify creditors that they should verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

7. Replace Your ID and Other Important Documents

• Driver’s license or state ID: Visit the DMV (or equivalent agency in your area) to request a replacement.
• Social Security card: If your Social Security card was in the wallet, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement. Be cautious about having your Social Security number exposed.
• Other important IDs: If you had other forms of ID or documents (like your passport), contact the relevant authorities to replace them.

8. Consider Using a Wallet Tracker in the Future

• Wallet tracking devices: For future peace of mind, you might want to consider a Bluetooth-enabled tracker, like Tile or Apple AirTag, that can help you locate your wallet if it gets lost again.

9. Check Your Insurance Coverage

• Loss and theft coverage: Some homeowners or renters insurance policies cover the loss of personal items, including wallets. Check with your insurance provider to see if you can file a claim.

10. Stay Vigilant Against Identity Theft

• Consider a credit freeze: If you’re concerned about the risk of identity theft, consider placing a freeze on your credit with the major credit bureaus. This will prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission.
• Identity theft monitoring services: Some people choose to enroll in identity theft protection services that monitor their personal information and alert them to suspicious activity.

Conclusion:

Losing your wallet can be an inconvenience, but quick action can reduce the risk of financial or identity theft. By contacting the necessary institutions, monitoring your accounts, and taking steps to replace lost documents, you can protect yourself and move forward from the situation.