Lost wallet or purse — immediate steps

What to do first when you lose your wallet or purse

Act Fast - Your Identity is at Risk

Losing your wallet or purse is more than an inconvenience—it's a potential identity theft threat. The first 24 hours are critical for protecting yourself and your finances.

Critical Priority: Cancel cards and secure accounts immediately, even if you think the wallet might be found.

Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes)

Steps 1-3: Financial Protection

  1. 1Cancel all payment cards immediately - Don't wait to see if wallet is found
  2. 2Call your bank's emergency line - Report debit/credit cards stolen
  3. 3Check recent transactions - Look for unauthorized charges on mobile banking

Steps 4-6: Identity Protection

  1. 4Contact mobile network provider - Suspend SIM card if phone was in wallet
  2. 5Change important passwords - Banking, email, social media accounts
  3. 6Take inventory of contents - List everything that was in wallet/purse

Irish Bank Emergency Numbers (24/7)

AIB (Allied Irish Banks)

Phone & Internet Banking: 0818 724 724

Card Services: +353 1 668 5500

From abroad: +353 1 771 2424

Text alerts: 'STOP' to 51444

Online: aib.ie (Card services)

Bank of Ireland

Card Services: 1800 946 764

From abroad: +353 1 679 8993 / +353 56 775 7007

Online: bankofireland.com

Ulster Bank

Card Services: 1800 46 36 00

From abroad: +44 131 549 8185

Credit Cards: 0800 200 300

Online: ulsterbank.ie

Permanent TSB

Card Services: 1800 687 687

From abroad: +353 1 212 4290

Online: permanenttsb.ie

Branch locator: Website/app

Revolut

In-app: Freeze card instantly

Customer service: In-app chat

Note: No phone support - use in-app chat only

Website: revolut.com/help

N26

In-app: Block card instantly

Customer service: In-app chat

Phone: +49 30 364 286 880

Website: n26.com/en-ie

Major Credit Card Emergency Lines

Visa

1800 558 002

+44 1604 230 230 (abroad)

Mastercard

1800 557 378

+1 636 722 7111 (abroad)

American Express

1800 282 728

+44 1273 696 933 (abroad)

Diners Club

1800 557 378

0818 300 026

Replace Lost Documents

Government ID Documents

Driving Licence:
  • •Online: ndls.ie (€35 fee)
  • •Phone: 0818 700 800
  • •Required: PPS number, proof of identity
  • •Processing: 10-15 working days
Public Services Card:
  • •Online: mywelfare.ie
  • •Phone: 1890 927 999
  • •Cost: €10 replacement fee
  • •Processing: 15 working days

Other Important Documents

Passport:
  • •Report theft: To Gardaí first
  • •Online: passports.gov.ie
  • •Cost: €95 (adult)
  • •Processing: 15-20 working days
Garda Age Card:
  • •Apply at: Local Garda station
  • •Cost: €12
  • •Required: Proof of age and address
  • •Processing: 10-15 working days

Mobile Network Emergency Contacts

Three Ireland

Customer Care: 1913

From abroad: +353 83 333 3333

SIM suspension: Immediate

Website: three.ie

Vodafone Ireland

Customer Care: 1907

From abroad: +353 1 203 7777

Online: My Vodafone app

Website: vodafone.ie

Eir Mobile

Customer Care: 1800 242 556 or LoCall 1901

Online: My Eir app

Website: eir.ie

48

Support: Online chat at 48.ie

Community: 48 Community forum

SIM replacement: €10

Search & Recovery Efforts

Retrace Your Steps

  1. 1Last known location: Where did you last remember having it?
  2. 2Recent purchases: Check shops where you used cards
  3. 3Transport used: Contact buses, taxis, trains
  4. 4Check your car: Under seats, in compartments
  5. 5Ask family/friends: Did you lend it or leave it?

Contact These Places

  • Shops & Restaurants

    Call recent places you visited

  • Public Transport

    Dublin Bus, Luas, DART lost property

  • Taxi Companies

    FREE NOW, Uber, local taxi firms

  • Workplace

    Reception, security, cleaning staff

  • Gym/Sports Club

    Changing rooms, lockers, reception

Report Online & Get Community Help

Lost.ie

Ireland's largest lost & found network

Report Your Wallet →

Local Facebook Groups

Search "[Your Area] Lost & Found"

Community help

Report to Gardaí

Required for valuable wallets/purses

Get incident number

Prevention for Next Time

Digital Backup Strategy

  • Photo all cards: Front and back (store securely)
  • Save emergency numbers: In your phone contacts
  • Digital wallet apps: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut
  • Cloud storage: Important document copies
  • Emergency contact card: In wallet with reward offer

Physical Security Habits

  • 🎒Consistent pocket: Always keep wallet in same place
  • 🔗Wallet chain/tether: Attach to clothing or bag
  • 📱Slim design: Reduces bulk, less likely to fall out
  • 💳Limit contents: Only carry essential cards/cash
  • 🏷️Contact info inside: "If found, call..." sticker
  • 🔍Regular checks: Pat pockets periodically

Expected Recovery Timelines

Immediate (24-48 hours):

  • •Replacement debit/credit cards
  • •Emergency cash from bank
  • •New SIM card activation
  • •Digital wallet setup

Short-term (1-2 weeks):

  • •New driving licence
  • •Public Services Card
  • •Garda Age Card
  • •Loyalty cards replacement

Longer-term (2-4 weeks):

  • •New passport (if needed)
  • •Insurance claims processing
  • •Credit report monitoring
  • •Full account security review

Need Immediate Help?

If you're stranded without money or identification, contact family/friends first. Most banks can provide emergency cash with proper ID verification.

Report Lost Wallet Emergency: 999
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