Losing a wallet, purse or handbag containing all your personal belongings could be utterly stressful. Some swift and immediate precautions could limit the damage of someone abusing your bank cards or even use your identity book (ID) to commit fraud.
Below is a list of what to do:
– File a police report to open a record of your lost wallet, purse or handbag. A case number will be issued so you can use it to replace your belongings.
– Notify your bank as soon as possible that your cards have been stolen. Your cards will be cancelled and become useless. You will then have to replace them.
– If your ID book or driver’s licence was in the stolen wallet, purse or bag, it is important to check your credit record and bank statements regularly. You can contact either one of the two major credit bureaus, Experian on 089-110-5665 or TransUnion on 0861-482-482.
– Contact the South African Fraud Prevention Service on their helpline, 0860-101-248, to record your case of a stolen ID.
– In case your house keys together with some documents containing personal information were in the stolen purse or bag, you should change the locks as soon as possible.
– Make sure you have given creditors all the necessary information. Make follow-up calls to make sure.
