Wallet Theft Emergency Checklist: 11 Tips You Must Follow

☑ 1. Report the crime to the police and get a copy of the report. You may need it for your credit card companies, insurance, bank, or other agencies.

☑ 2. Call each credit card company to report the theft. If you're away, have a family member or neighbor retrieve your credit card information to cancel all cards.

☑ 3. Alert the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax) about the theft to prevent unauthorized credit checks.

☑ 4. If your checkbook or ATM card was stolen, notify your bank to stop payments on unfamiliar checks and request new accounts, cards, and PINs.

☑ 5. Monitor your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges after the theft.

☑ 6. Order your credit reports from Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax quarterly to detect any fraud.

☑ 7. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help track the thieves and prevent further fraud.

☑ 8. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

☑ 9. Notify the passport office to watch for anyone using your identification for a fraudulent passport.

☑ 10. Inform your phone service providers and utility companies about the theft to prevent services from being opened in your name.

☑ 11. If you have a safe deposit box, inform the bank's safe deposit box department about the theft.