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to take if your wallet or purse is missing
1. 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. (See preparation for loss further down this page)
2. 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).
3. But what is perhaps most important: Call the three national credit
reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.
Why this is
most important: The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information
may have been stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. There
will be records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases.
The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly
TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union:
1-800-680-7289
Social Security
Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271.
Steps to take before items from your
wallet or purse are missing
1. Place the contents of your wallet or purse on a
photocopy machine, do both
sides of each license, credit card, etc., you will know what you had in your wallet
or purse and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.
2. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
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