>Lost Wallet assistance

Losing your wallet is inconvenient and stressful, but it can also have long-term repercussions. If your wallet is stolen – or found by someone who is less-than honest – your identity, finances and credit health are at risk.

Just think what's in your wallet, and what's ahead if you lose each item:

Credit cards and store cards. Credit cards are so useful – yet so easy for a resourceful thief to use on a shopping spree. You must cancel your credit cards as soon as you notice they've gone missing, then wait patiently for the replacements. Many people carry several credit or store cards around at all times. Each must be cancelled and replaced.

Debit cards. Ditto.

Driver's licence. Your driver's licence contains personal details a thief can use to steal your identity. To get a new one, you may have to apply in person during working hours. In some cases, you may apply by mail or fax. In the interim, you are without the most used document for proof of age and identity, which may cause a problem if you plan to travel domestically. Not to mention if you are stopped by the police while driving!

Your birth certificate. Did you carry your birth certificate around with you? You can apply for a new one through your provincial government; when you receive it, put it somewhere safe. At home.

Health card. You'll need two pieces of identification, in most cases, to get a replacement health card. So… after you get a new driver's licence and birth certificate, you may apply for a new health card.

Your passport. This is a big one! After you have reported the loss or theft of your passport to the police and Service Canada, you may begin the process of applying for a new one. In most cases, Canadian authorities will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of your lost/stolen passport, which may lead to delays in processing the replacement passport (which may only be temporary). Let's hope you don't have any international travel plans scheduled in the meantime!

Your Social Insurance Card. Here's another card best left at home. Your SIN is the key to your government benefits, tax files and bank credits. It should remain absolutely confidential. A SIN is very useful to an identity thief or other fraudster. You may apply for a new SIN card through Services Canada for a small fee, but it is very difficult to actually get a new SIN. New SINs are rarely given out, and only if there is proof that the original SIN is being used fraudulently.

You may also carry around a citizenship card, gift cards and various gym, store or organization membership cards. Most wallets are bulging with personal and financial details or cards, each of which must be replaced, often for a fee.

Remember: wallet theft is a crime. You must also call the police right away.

Prepare for theft or loss

Keep track of everything in your wallet. Keep a record sheet at home with important card numbers and expiration dates.

Protection Power members have access to Lost Wallet Assistance and receive a pre-formatted record sheet to be used for this purpose. Members also have access to live telephone support in the case of a lost or stolen wallet. A member of our expert support team will be available to walk you through the steps you need to take (even do some of the legwork for you) and answer any questions or concerns you have along the way.

If your wallet is lost or stolen, there are quite a few things you must do, quickly. The process can be overwhelming; it's good to know you've got Protection Power's professional support when you need it most.

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