Loss prevention
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Leave a slip with your contact details in your wallet so people who find it can reach you.
IDs often have outdated addresses. One person recovered their wallet because the finder saw their number on a ticket inside and could contact them easily.
- It may increase the risk of identity theft if the wallet is stolen rather than found.
- Some doubt that finders will make the effort to return it.
4 people, independently
- Fill out the included ID card in new wallets with your name and phone number.1
Keep a list of the cards in your wallet outside of the wallet itself.
Allows you to quickly identify which cards to block if the wallet is stolen.
- Do not keep the list inside the wallet.
one person who lived it
- Carry fewer cards in your wallet.2
- Keep customer service phone numbers for your financial accounts in an easily accessible location separate from your wallet.1
Carry only essential cards, such as a driver's license and daily bank card, and leave others at home.
You won't lose all your cards if the wallet is lost, and you avoid carrying items used rarely.
2 people, independently
Put your P.O. Box address on car key fobs or tags using a label maker.
Postage is much cheaper than dealership reprogramming costs if keys are lost.
one person who lived it
When traveling, leave copies of all wallet contents with a trusted person.
To have records available if your wallet is lost or stolen.
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Keep multiple copies of your business card in your wallet.
Having two identical cards helps distinguish the owner's wallet from one containing a found card.
2 people, independently
Affix a label with your phone number and an emergency contact's number to the back of your driver's license.
It enables faster contact with loved ones if you are incapacitated.
one person who lived it
Put a sheet of paper with your name and contact information inside your suitcase.
It provides identification if the external luggage tag is lost or falls off.
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Routinely pat your pockets to confirm your wallet and phone are present.
It prevents losing important items.
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Memorize your Social Security Number and store the physical card in a fireproof case at home.
One user has not needed the physical card in decades.
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Return found wallets honestly, even if they contain cash, to experience immense happiness and relieve the owner.
- There is no finder's fee for cash; keeping it is considered stealing.
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Do not cut up or destroy a found credit card before confirming the owner's intent, as they may return shortly to retrieve it.
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Keep your wallet in your hand while handing over a license or credit card to ensure you get it back.
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Pat all your pockets randomly so thieves cannot determine where you keep your wallet and phone.
Making it slightly harder for pickpockets minimizes risk by encouraging them to target easier victims.
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Freeze all accounts associated with your wallet within minutes of realizing it is lost.
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