When your purse is stolen, it can cause a state of panic that is hard to get out of. However, it is important that you act quickly in order to protect yourself and your finances. Here are some of the first things you need to do if your purse gets stolen.
Call Your Bank and Credit Card Companies
One of the biggest risks to having your purse stolen is having your credit cards or checks used. Make sure you first call your bank and let them know your purse was stolen. They will put a hold on your bank account and any debit cards you have, which prevents anyone from using the debit card for purchases. It keeps them from making a withdrawal from ATM machines and from cashing checks they write to themselves or others. If you have other credit cards, make sure you call those credit card companies and have them put a hold on all the card. In most cases, they will cancel the card and send you a new one. If any purchases are made before you get a chance to call, you will need to dispute them and prove they were done by the thief.
Have the Locks Changed
The next thing you need to do is have all your locks changed. Any keys that were in your purse when it was stolen now puts you at risk. If your house keys were in there, make sure you get your locks changed. They have your address and keys, so they might come to your home and make themselves at home to your stuff. Call a locksmith right away to get new locks on the doors and don't stay in your home until this is done. If your car keys were inside, you should have your car locks changed and find some replacement car keys, along with keys to anything else, such as your office.
Disconnect Your Garage Door
In addition to having your home locks changed, you also need to disconnect the garage door if it is electric. Your purse might have had your electric garage door remote, which can be used to open the garage. If someone can get into your garage, they can not only steal whatever is inside, but may also be able to get in your home if it is attached.
Also make sure you report the theft to the local DMV and ask to have a new one made. They might issue a new driver's license number to protect your identity.
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