What to do when your wallet is stolen abroad?

The worst travel nightmare ever, is losing your wallet. More so, if your purse is stolen when you are shopping your heart out, getting the best bargains. Imagine standing proud of your souvenir conquests at the store and you find out your wallet is missing. More guilt and frustration creeps in when the nearby surveillance camera shows that your purse was picked while you were bonding with the goodies down the store aisle. Your heart races, going over and over, where and how you could have possibly missed the wallet.

Losing your wallet is more than just losing liquid cash. Your Identity cards, licences, debit/credit cards, business/ personal contacts and important keys could be lost along with the money. So, instead of having a panic attack, try to get a quick grasp of the situation. Make sure you take the necessary steps below to prevent even more heinous crimes, the thieves could commit using your identity and money.

Get your family to send you money

Before you get absorbed into guilt and regret, ask one of your family members to send money to you. There are several trustworthy instant money transfer service providers in the market, through whom you can receive money within minutes.

Calm down and assess the situation

First gain your composure, take a deep breath, think clearly and write down the contents of your wallet. Make a complete list of people or authorities you need to notify about the loss to prevent any misuse. Don’t miss to make a note of pictures or any other personal details in your wallet. Intimate loved ones back home about the loss, so that they will be alert against any unsolicited advances.File a report in the police station

Immediately go to the nearest police station and file a detailed report on the stolen wallet. You’ll need a copy of this report to process any duplicate Identity cards, insurance claims, debit/ credit card replacements etc.

Block all your plastic money

Call the 24 hour helpline of your bank and debit/ credit card and multi-purpose travel card companies to block the card usage immediately. This will stop you from losing your money in addition to suffering from a ruined trip.

Get help from your embassy

It’s a good idea to notify your country’s embassy at the destination. They will be helping you out with the right contacts to get in touch. If you have lost your passport and tickets among other documents, the embassy authorities will help you through the situation.

Secure your identity and premises

If your identity cards and driving licence were part of your wallet, then immediately call the respective offices back home. Notify the theft and also request for duplicate copies. You are now more vulnerable to identity scams and cons, hence change passwords, install firewalls and security systems on your online accounts. Since your name, work and residence addresses have also been stolen, take help from neighbours to watch out for strange occurrences around your place. Once you reach home, invest in a good security system, as organised criminals don’t hesitate to cross borders for their loot.

Claim Insurance

Speak to your travel insurance provider to begin processing your claim. They will need you to submit the police report before going ahead with the process.

Follow these simple pointers to avoid such mishaps

Please do not carry original identity cards, passports or all the cash in your wallet, to avoid the risk of getting completely broke and exposed. Always leave some reserve cash and photocopies of all important Identity cards and documents in your hotel room locker. Attaching digital trackers to your wallet is also a good idea to track down your precious belongings, even if they are lost. While travelling always remember to raise your guards and be vigilant. Protect your money, identity and property!

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