Miscellaneous

Purse Theft – What to Do

Why would you ever assume that it could not happen to you? Purse-theft is out there happening everyday to women like you and I. My guess would be if some guy wanting to steal a purse, he sure would find a lady with delectable taste, like all of us, and pick us out of a crowd. Now I seriously hope any person who wants to rob me realizes what he or she is getting themselves into. Don’t mess with me! For that matter just quit it. Stop stealing other people’s things. But if this were to ever happen to you, there are a few steps you need to take in order to protect yourself after your purse has been stolen:

If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, the Federal Trade Commission suggests that you:

  • File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case your bank, credit card company or insurance company needs proof of the crime
  • Cancel each credit and charge card. Get new cards with new account numbers. l Call the fraud departments of the major credit reporting agencies:
  •    Equifax (800) 525-6285
  •    Experian (888) 397-3742
  •    TransUnion (800) 680-7289
  • Ask them to put a “fraud alert” on your account and add a “victim’s statement” to your file requesting that creditors contact you before opening new accounts in your name
  • Ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. In a few months, order new copies of your reports to verify your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred
  • Report the loss to your bank if your wallet or purse contained bank account information, including account numbers, ATM cards or checks
  • Cancel checking and savings accounts and open new ones. Stop payments on outstanding checks
  • Get a new ATM card, account number and Personal Identification Number (PIN) or password
  • Report your missing driver’s license to the department of motor vehicles. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver’s license number, ask to substitute another number
  • Change the locks on your home and car if your keys were taken. Don’t give an identity thief access to even more personal property and information

Hopefully you will not ever need this information, but if you do, make sure to follow all the above steps to ensure your safety against identity theft and fraud.

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