If you lose your wallet or smartphone, you're in despair! What you should do right away

Although cashless transactions using smartphones are becoming more common each year, there are still many people who carry wallets.
In addition to their smartphones, most people also keep the things they need in their wallets, such as cash, cards, valuables, and receipts.
Many people have probably experienced losing their wallet or smartphone.
Sometimes you can find it right away, but other times it never comes out and you never get it back.
Be careful not to put anything that could identify you with personal information, or cash, cash cards, credit cards, etc. in your wallet, as they may be misused by the person who finds them.
This time, we will introduce what to do if you lose your wallet, the probability of it being returned, and the lost property disclosure system.

1. I realized I lost my wallet! What should I do?

Many people realize that they have dropped their wallet, but because they are so far away from home, they are unable to figure out where it is.
You may be able to find it if you remember where you were, but once you realize you've dropped it, you may feel very anxious.
If it is picked up by a bad person, there is a risk that it will never be found.
If you lose your wallet, it is important to take the following actions to increase the chances of it being returned to you:

1. Go to the police to fill out a lost property report

If you lose your wallet, it is important to go and look for it in the place where you think you lost it.
"I'm going to the police to file a lost property report." This action is also important.

If you file a lost wallet report with the police, the police will contact the owner when the wallet is returned to the police station or police box.
Issued when you report a lost property "Acceptance number" Make sure you understand this properly.
The receipt number is not only necessary for the police to contact you if your item is lost, but also for when you lose your smartphone.
Also, depending on the prefecture, you may be able to complete the procedures indirectly over the phone or internet without having to go to the police in person, so it's good to know if you're at work or have other plans and can't go to the police.
In order to carefully return a wallet that has been handed over to the police by a third party to its owner, thorough identity verification will be required, so when you go to the police it is essential to bring something to prove your identity, address, and other personal information.

If you lose your wallet, use the lost property disclosure system just in case.

When you lose your wallet or smartphone, you report it to the police and cancel your credit cards and cash cards.
"Acquisition Publication System" Let's make good use of it.
The lost property disclosure system is a system that publicizes lost items reported to the police online, and each prefectural police department has built its own information management system for each police headquarters.
Since there is no coordination among prefectural police departments across the country, lost items are published on the system of the prefecture that recorded them.
However, the most important prerequisite is that the owner has properly filed a lost property report with the police, so you must take the minimum necessary steps.
If you have a wide range of movement, having the police search for your lost property may increase your chances of finding your wallet.
There are various ways to deal with losing your wallet, so it's important to minimize the damage before you end up regretting it after wasting time searching for it yourself.

2. Contact your credit card company

Many people carry not only cash but also credit cards in their wallets.
If your credit card is stolen, it will be misused and bills will be sent to the cardholder later.
To prevent such a situation from happening, if you lose your wallet, immediately contact your credit card company and notify them as soon as possible that you have lost your credit card.
In that case, we recommend that you check whether the card can be reissued, whether you can get a new credit card, and whether you can transfer your points.

Frequently used credit cards and cash cards contact list

Here are the numbers for the lost card desks of major credit cards.

3. Contact your cash card company

Just like with credit cards, if you lose your cash card, you should immediately contact your contracted card company or bank and notify them of your lost cash card.
If your cash card is used fraudulently, If the Depositor Protection Act applies, you may be able to receive compensation for losses even if money is withdrawn from your account.
Generally, your account number will not change even if you lose your cash card and have it reissued, so if you lose your card, you should consider changing it to a new account number.
You may think that credit cards and cash cards are less likely to be used fraudulently because they have PIN numbers, but
This is dangerous because there is a risk that someone could breach security by guessing your PIN number from personal information such as your driver's license contained in your wallet and withdraw money.

Frequently used credit cards and cash cards contact list

Below are the numbers for the lost card desks for major cash cards.

4. Reissue your ID

Most people carry their ID in their wallet.
You will need to go through the process of reissuing your driver's license, health insurance card, My Number card, etc.
If you do not have identification such as a driver's license, you may have trouble getting documents issued by government offices and other institutions.
Below is a list of what you need to have your ID reissued.

Driver's license

Your driver's license can be reissued instantly at a Driver's License Renewal Center.
In addition, you do not need a photo ID, and you can verify your identity using your bankbook or mail.
If you already have a license, we recommend that you get it reissued first.

Health insurance card

The method for reissuing a health insurance card varies depending on the issuing association.
In the case of National Health Insurance, identity verification can be done with a bankbook or cash card, just like with a driver's license.
In the case of social insurance, you may need to provide a residence certificate or photo ID.

My Number Card

If you lose your My Number card, you will need the "lost card report acceptance number" that is issued to you when you report it to the police in order to have your card reissued.
Because it is an important card that handles personal information, the procedure for reissuing it can be difficult, so if you lose it, it will be smoother if you first get your driver's license or other documents reissued.

2. Once you've dealt with the problem...

If you lose your wallet or smartphone, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, such as "fire insurance" and "cell phone compensation."
Here is a summary of some of the more commonly available compensation options.

fire insurance

There are three types of fire insurance: "building only," "contents only," and "building and contents."
The special clause for personal effects outside the home included in fire insurance covers damage to personal effects outside the home.
Even if you live in a rented apartment, you will likely have taken out fire insurance when you moved in, so be sure to check.

Smartphone compensation service

Many people probably sign up for "Apple care" or "mobile phone insurance" when they buy a smartphone.
With Apple Care, you can receive coverage against theft or loss up to twice a year, and a new model will be delivered to your home for 12,900 yen (tax included).
You can check whether your smartphone is covered by a warranty service by inquiring at your local smartphone shop, or by phone or online.

3. What are the chances of getting your wallet or smartphone back if you lose it?

In Japan, if you lose your wallet, you have a much higher chance of finding it than if you lose it overseas.
There are not many countries with as good public safety as Japan, and because the standard of living is high, there are fewer people who steal or misuse other people's things compared to other countries.
In Japan, it is said that there is a 60% chance that a lost wallet will be found, meaning that more than half of people will get their wallet back.

4. 3 recommendations for buying a new wallet