Lost or Stolen Wallet?

A lost or stolen wallet is quite simply a nightmare. With the growing crime of identity theft, a lost wallet is now more than ever something to guard against. Below are some tips that can help minimize the damage.

Be Prepared! By taking these few simple steps you can respond quickly if your wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen:

Make photocopies of the contents of your wallet. Be sure to copy both the front and back of any double sided items - your license, credit cards, debit card, etc. Make sure account numbers and the customer service telephone numbers are legible, and store this list in a secure place that you can get to fast in the event of a loss (home and office).

Do NOT carry documents you do not need with you. Do not carry your birth certificate or social security card except when they are specifically needed. These items are pure gold to an identity thief. Store them safely in a place other than your wallet.

Make photocopies of the contents of your wallet. Be sure to copy both the front and back of any double sided items - your license, credit cards, debit card, etc. Make sure account numbers and the customer service telephone numbers are legible, and store this list in a secure place that you can get to fast in the event of a loss (home and office).

If your wallet or purse is stolen, immediately:

Cancel your credit cards and notify your bank (call the customer service numbers on your list). Note the date and time and ask the person you speak with to fax you confirmation of your report. This can serve as proof that you took all responsible steps to minimize the loss as your contract probably requires you to.

File a police report (on campus, contact Public Safety) in the jurisdiction where your purse or wallet was stolen. This marks the date and time for the credit card investigators.

Call the three national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number.

• Equifax - www.equifax.com (1-888-766-0008)
• Experian - www.experian.com (1-888-397-3742)
• TransUnion - www.transunion.com (1-800-680-7289)

Most importantly, be informed about identity theft!

Unlimited information exists on how to survive identity theft and how to protect yourself. The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation features helpful information on their website: www.mass.gov/oca. The Federal Trade Commission also has dedicated an entire site to helping consumers understand and prevent this crime: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

Keep your eye on your local news for cases that could be impacting you and take action promptly.

Thanks to the Massachusetts RMV for these tips!