Photocopy the content of your wallet and save time later!
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine.
Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc., so you will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call to cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. To limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know.
As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.
Keep those where you can find them easily.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never ever thought to do this) -
Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert
on your name and SS#.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen
and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
The numbers are:
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
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