A very irritating experience. When we suddenly find that the wallet is nowhere in the jacket or pant, how do we tackle with this unexpected occurance? I had been witness of one such event when my friend lost his wallet. He just came out of bank after withdrawing some money. He just found that the wallet is no longer in the pocket. The worse thing was that it was Friday evening.

The first thing we did was calling all the banks he had accounts or credit cards with and blocked all the cards. He did not have any numbers memorized; but after couple of checks (like name, phone number and date of birth); the bank representative blocked any transaction from any card. The banks have 24 hours toll free numbers on which we can talk to the representative. It is advisable to have such numbers handy especially while visiting outside town.

Next thing we made sure that he did not (by mistake) keep his SIN and PR cards in the wallet. As such, we do not need them for day to day use and absolutely not necessary to keep in the wallet. In case you do want to keep them in the wallet; it is advisable to keep a photocopy at home. The time taken to replace a lost or stolen PR card is minimum 16 weeks. Although they (Immigration department) can provide us with TEMPORARY PR card in case of urgency (like visiting outside Canada).

Although he had to sacrifice the money that was inside the wallet and transit pass; he was fortunate enough to keep the big amount of money in the cover outside wallet (which he withdrew from the Bank).

Please share any other ideas / suggestions.

Additionally, if he has a good credit histroy and sizeable wealth, he should request for new SIN and PR numbers and have his govt records modfied accordingly. I know a case of a very rich doctor who was the victim of stolen identity and had 3 credot cards to his name without his knowledge / application. Keep an eye on your credit report regularly...see for changes in your report etc...

It is very frustrating indeed..

Alternately, I m looking for an alternate to carry a wallet in the pocket...cant control that buldge at the back due to so many cards stuffed inside. Can anyone suggest something which is easy to carry, secure, not easily lost and handy enough space for atleast 15 different cards and does not 'BULDGE'....I know I m asking for the impossible...

Hiren

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From my personal experience:

You may not be issued a new SIN Card, only have a "flag" placed on your account, where anytime personal info is required (ie requesting a credit card, mortgage, etc) your ID will have to be verified by yourself.

I always have to authorize large purchases and credit requests due to having a flag placed on my account due to having my wallet stolen.

Dont forget to:
-get a new Drivers License
-Health Card
-Cancel any Rewards programs cards you may have (HBC, Petropoints, etc)

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