Step 1-Protect Your Credit

You are probably here because you lost your wallet or purse and would like to protect your credit, identity and replace your important documents. Lets get started, the earlier the better.

(Don't worry about clicking on any links below, you will not be directed away from this page).

1. Cancel Credit and ATM Cards:
Why?: This is the first thing someone may use if they have your wallet.
First contact your bank if any of those cards are from there. I have listed contacts for all major credit cards and some major store cards, but don't worry if your Visa or Master Card is with another bank and you can't remember it, all major cards have a main phone number regardless of the bank, all you need is your personal information to identify your account. If you have a record of the specific bank and card great, call it immediately. If there are any missing cards from the list that could be helpful in the future, please email me at the bottom of this site.

Contacts:
Major Cards:
Visa: (800) 847-2911
Mastercard: (800) 627-8372
Amex: (800) 992-3404
Discover: (800) 347-2683

Department Stores:
Walmart: (866)-611-1148
Macy's: (800) 659-6229
Kohl's: (800) 564-5740
Neiman Marcus: (888) 888-4757
J.C. Penney's: (800) 527-4403
Target: (888) 755-585
Best Buy: (888) 237-8289
Circuit City: (800) 603-8987
Sears: (800) 819-9000
Home Depot: (800) 677-0232
Lowes: (888) 840-7651
Gap: (800) 887-1198
Banana Republic: (800) 234-7455
Old Navy: (877) 222-6868
Pier 1: (800) 767-3662

OK lets move on to the next task.

2. Contact Credit Bureaus:
Why?: To put an alert on your account and help prevent identity theft. The alert is usually good for 90 days and can be renewed. It also tells any company that screens your credit prior to authorizing anything in your name (i.e credit cards, loans) that your identity was potentially stolen and they have to contact you by phone directly to authorize any new credit. Have your social security number ready.

Contacts:
Experian: (888) 397-3742
Equifax: (888) 766-0008
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289

Also: To get a free annual credit report read about it in the final step when you get there.

Great, we are now making progress. Lets move on to the next step under legal protection to show the banks/creditors you not just telling a story. This is important especially if your identity is stolen.