You Just Realized Someone Stole Your Purse or Wallet On Your Honeymoon

Picture this. You are out and about at your beautiful honeymoon when you get a call from your bank. Someone is using your credit card to buy those suede boots that everyone is coveting. That’s when you realize your wallet is missing. It’s so easy to panic. And, no one would blame you if you did! But, criminals are quick, so you are going to need to panic later and act quickly. And, here are six (6) steps to take if your purse or wallet is stolen on your honeymoon.

Cancel Your Debit Cards and Your Credit Cards

First things, first, contact your bank(s) to cancel your debit cards and credit cards. If you were carrying your checkbook, you should cancel your checks too. I would even recommend closing your bank account and opening a new one at a different bank. I know that sounds like a pain. But, you want to minimize the possibility of the criminals returning to your bank months later attempting to withdraw money from your account.

File a Report With the Local Police Department

After you cancel you notify your banks, you should file a police report. Filing a police report will make the proper authorities aware of the theft in case your belongings are found. If you lose your wallet on your honeymoon, the police report will be helpful with filing travel insurance claims. Also, the police report will be a valuable piece of paperwork to have available if the criminals use your identification or credit cards to commit a crime.

Contact Your Airline and Possibly the US Embassy

Contact your airline to get the process for returning home.  According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, not having an ID doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be allowed to fly home.  But, we recommend you check with your airline first to ensure you do what you need to get home. Also, arrive at the airport early to ensure you have ample time to explain your dilemma to the ticket agents.  If TSA officials are satisfied with your explanation and paperwork, they will work with the airline to provide you a boarding pass that notes you do not have identification in your possession.  If you are flying internationally, you will need to get a copy of your passport before you are able to leave the country. So, reach out to the US Embassy in the country you are visiting to schedule an emergency appointment.  The embassy should be able to assist you with replacing your passport.

Hire a Locksmith to Change the Locks at Your Home

Sometimes, criminals don’t stop with your purse or wallet. Change the locks to your home, along with the security code, to prevent the criminal from walking right in your front door. If you are not returning home right away, ask a family member or close friend to assist you with this task.

Consider Changing the Locks to Your Car

If your car keys were in your purse and your car registration was in your wallet, the criminal has a road map to your car possession. Consider changing the locks on your car or getting the digital lock reprogrammed.

Notify the Credit Bureaus

Contact all three of the credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian, and set up a fraud alert. And keep notes of your communication with them — You may have to refer back to these notes if your identity is compromised.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

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