We all know the feeling: you reach into your pocket for your wallet, or into the backseat of the car for your purse — and it’s not there. Here are 6 steps to take when your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

While You Search

Lock Your Cards

Sometimes a lost wallet isn’t lost, just misplaced. Before you cancel all your cards, lock them and have a good search. That way if your cards turn up you can simply unlock them without the hassle of ordering new ones.

Many credit and debit cards now offer an option to lock your card temporarily from the app. Some apps have a slide button below your card info in the screen, while others require you to navigate to a setting or management menu.

If you can’t find the lock button, try typing “lock card” into the in-app help chat.

Change Your Passwords

Even if there’s a possibility your wallet might turn up, go ahead and change your password at least for online banking.

Sure, your password might not be written down inside, but other information like your birthday or address can be used to answer security questions for a password reset. If you don’t already use a password manager, this could be a great time to start.

Use Your Digital Wallet

Digital wallets have come a long way. Many credit card issuers will even set you up with a digital version of your new card to begin using (should you order a new one) before your plastic arrives.

From gas stations to farmer’s markets, almost everyone takes Tap to Pay these days, so with a few exceptions you should be able to carry on until you can re-assemble your real-life wallet. Besides offering contactless payments and greater convenience, digital wallets also have enhanced security like encryption, tokens, and 2 factor authentication to keep your data safe.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Wallet

Cancel Your Cards

If your wallet is really gone, then the first step is to call your bank or credit union and credit card issuers to cancel your cards and order new ones. Make sure you are requesting a full replacement instead of just a second copy of an existing card.

You can also do this through an online banking app, which may be a lot easier and faster. Canceling your cards quickly significantly reduces your liability for unauthorized purchases and withdrawals.

Good to Know

Whether your credit card or debit card was lost or stolen, the sooner you notify your financial institution or card issuer, the better. Timely notification limits your liability for any unauthorized charges.

Update Autopayments

Once you receive new cards, update any autopayments you have connected to your credit or debit cards. This may end up being the most tedious step following a lost or stolen wallet, but it is one of the most important.

Insurance, mortgage or rent, streaming services, child’s tuition, school loans, and even some utilities — the list of autopay bills is endless. You might have even forgotten about some because that’s the point of autopay!

Set aside some time to get everything in order. It may take a minute, especially if you have multiple autopay bills spread out on multiple cards. Make it easier by sitting down with pen and paper to draft out all the bills you know of that are on autopay.

Once your cards are cancelled, these autopayments will stop working and you could miss making important payments. Anything you miss will inevitably be flagged in a payment declined email from the merchant/servicer, but it’s better if you catch the bill before getting penalized.

Replace Other Lost Items

Your bank or credit union and credit card issuers should send you new cards when you report your old ones as lost or stolen. You’ll need to contact individual agencies to recover other important cards.

This could take some time because you may not be able to do it from an app. Try bundling phone calls to agencies with other tasks you can do while on hold — because you may be on hold a lot — like sifting through work emails or eating lunch. An earbud connected to your phone helps too.

Driver’s License or State-issued ID

Every state’s DMV sets its own guidelines for requesting replacement driver’s licenses or other state-issued IDs. In many states, this can be done online, but some states may require you to appear in person with proof of your identity before they’ll replace your card.

Health Insurance or Medicare Cards

Health insurance and Medicare cards also commonly go missing when a wallet is lost or stolen. This can be scary, especially if you have an upcoming appointment or chronic medical condition. Call your insurance company right away to request a new a card.

Ask the representative to read you your policy number and any other information that might be requested at a doctor’s visit, so you don’t have to wait on care while you wait on your card.

It’s also important to contact your insurance company or Medicare quickly to avoid health care fraud. You can report a lost Medicare card by logging onto the Medicare website or by calling 1-800-633-4227.

Social Security Card

The Social Security Administration recommends against carrying your Social Security card with you unless you are using it in an official capacity, such as completing paperwork for a new job or getting a new driver’s license.

However, if it was lost along with your wallet then you can start the process online and complete it at your local Social Security office. You’ll need:

• Your birth certificate or equivalent record of birth
• Your driver’s license, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport
• A completed Application for Social Security Card

File a Police Report

It’s unlikely the police will find your lost wallet or purse, but a police report is official documentation of the event. In some cases, financial institutions and card issuers may request a police report if they have to investigate instances of fraud on your account.

Be prepared to give a physical description of your wallet, where you think it was lost or stolen, and its contents. If possible, provide your card numbers in the report. You have the right to request a copy of the police report, which may be helpful in getting replacement credit, debit, and ID cards.

To file a police report, call the local non-emergency number and tell them you need to file a report.

Lost Wallet Hacks to Help You Bounce Back Faster

Losing your purse or wallet will always be a hassle, but you can make recovery easier by planning ahead with these tips:

• Limit what you carry in your wallet. Things like passports, birth certificates, and social security cards can be left in a safe place at home or in a safety deposit box unless you’re actively using them.
• Make a list of what’s inside. Keep track of the ID cards, credit cards, debit cards, membership cards, and other important documents you carry regularly. This list can help you fill out a police report and stock your replacement wallet faster.
• Take photos of important items. You can refer to these pictures to gather information like your driver’s license number, credit card number, and debit card number. Also, many credit and debit cards list customer support numbers on the back so you can easily find help when you need it.
• Use wallet tracking technology. Consider slipping a slim GPS tracking device into your wallet or purse to help you locate it quickly if it’s lost.
• Include basic contact information in a visible location. You just might get lucky and have a Good Samaritan return your wallet. Stick to your first name, email address, and/or phone number — nothing that could further compromise your security.

The Takeaway

A lost wallet is never convenient, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With a little quick thinking, you can protect your personal information and get back to business as usual.