What to Do If Your Wallet Is Stolen — Step by Step

Within the first hour: call your bank to freeze all cards — most banks have 24/7 lines specifically for this. File a police report, even if recovery is unlikely — you'll need it for disputes and insurance. Check your accounts for unauthorized transactions and dispute anything suspicious immediately. If your ID was inside, alert relevant authorities about potential identity theft. Going forward: keep a photo of all card fronts and backs in a secure, encrypted cloud folder. This way you'll have every number you need to call, even when the physical cards are gone.