A lost or stolen wallet or purse is a gold mine of information for a new kind of
crook -- the identity thief.

Identity thieves can use information found in your wallet or purse -- credit cards,
checks, Social Security cards, even health insurance cards -- to establish new
accounts in your name. That could create an identity crisis that can take months
to detect, and even longer to unravel.

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. Call the fraud departments of the major credit
  reporting agencies: Equifax (800) 525-6285; Experian (888) 397-3742;
  and TransUnion (800) 680-7289.
  
  
• 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.