Next Steps After a Purse or Wallet Is Stolen
A stolen purse or wallet can expose more than cash or cards. Acting quickly can help reduce fraud risk, protect your identity, and limit unauthorized use of the documents and account information that were inside.
Start with documentation
Campus Credit Union recommends filing a police report first, so the theft is documented and you have a record available if additional identity theft issues follow.
Move quickly on cards and account information
If your debit card, credit card, checks, or deposit slips were stolen, contact the financial institution right away to report the theft, cancel affected items, and review your accounts for unauthorized activity.
What to do first
File a police report, contact the institutions connected to stolen cards or account documents, and then work through any government-issued identification or benefit cards that were taken.
File a police report
Report the theft to local law enforcement so the event is documented. That record may help if you later need to address fraudulent activity tied to the theft.
Call affected financial institutions
Contact the issuers of stolen debit cards, credit cards, and bank account materials to cancel compromised items and request replacements with new numbers where appropriate.
Replace identification and benefits cards
Work through your driver’s license, insurance cards, passport, and any other sensitive documents so they can be replaced or deactivated as needed.
Financial items to address right away
Debit cards and credit cards
- Report the theft to the card issuer immediately
- Cancel the stolen card and ask for a replacement with a different number
- Request a confirmation number for the cancellation
- Review transactions for unauthorized charges
- Dispute unauthorized charges directly with the financial institution
Checks, deposit slips, and account information
- Report the theft of any checkbook, individual checks, or deposit slips
- Close the affected account rather than relying only on a stop payment
- Replace the account if routing and account numbers may have been exposed
- Monitor your account closely for unauthorized payments or counterfeit checks
Identity and document replacement steps
Social Security card and identity-related items
- Consider fraud alerts with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Escalate quickly if identity theft is suspected
- Pay extra attention to any card or document containing your Social Security number
Driver’s license and employer ID
- Request a replacement driver’s license from the appropriate state agency
- Ask what documentation is required before visiting the office
- Notify your employer if an employee badge or access credential was stolen
- Have access privileges disabled if the ID opens secure areas
Health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid cards
- Request replacement cards from the insurer or issuing agency
- Ask whether a new member or identification number can be issued
- Review future benefits statements for unauthorized use
Passport, immigration papers, and military ID
- Report a lost or stolen passport to the U.S. Department of State
- Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding immigration documents
- Report a stolen military ID to base security and the proper replacement office
Other items to remember
Campus Credit Union contact information
If any stolen item is connected to your Campus Credit Union accounts, reach out right away so the team can help you assess next steps and respond to suspicious activity.
Main line: (316) 867-4700
Toll free: (888) 978-2289
Additional Campus CU numbers
Main Phone: (316) 867-4700
Toll Free: (888) 978-2289
Audio Response: (316) 867-4680
Fast documentation, rapid card cancellation, and disciplined follow-up can materially reduce the downstream impact of a stolen purse or wallet.