Transferring Money to Child, Protecting Credit

He can put an alert on his accounts through the credit agencies. I would do it on all 3 just to be safe.

You can still wire money to him at a bank.

We went through this recently. The others are right about Western Union for the immediate cash.

Regarding the drivers license, the DMV told us to come in and get a replacement license. That was no problem. It was entered into their system as "lost or stolen" or something like that. But they said that even if we're not sure what happened to it, we needed to report it to the police just in case it was used for an illegal purpose, or in case the person who was using it was arrested for something.

Our story turned out well. The wallet was found by our son as soon as we had done all those other things.

My heart and prayers go out to you. My friend recently went through this with her son who is almost the same exact age! It turns out the son had left the wallet on top of the pumps after scanning his card at the pump. They were blessed that an honest citizen found it, looked for phone numbers and addresses in the wallet, and contacted them within 48 hours. I pray you will be as blessed. In the meantime, you can use Western Union to send money. I see you've already gotten some good advice regarding identify theft.

You can transfer money from a Wal-Mart to a Wal-mart. They are everywhere so it's very convenient. It's also very simple. Good luck!!

Western Union is probably the easiest way to get him some cash. I haven't, thankfully, had to use it in quite a few years...but you used to be able to give a password that would allow the receiver to get the money without having to show ID. I just peeked on their website and it looks like you can even use a credit card to send money online.

Of course, cancel all of his credit cards. Contact the credit bureaus and ask for an alert to be attached to his SSN. It will cause some delays when applying for new credit, but doesn't affect when a current account is issued a new card.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot you can do about his IDs except get new ones. He'll probably need a couple of different.

There are services that you can subscribe to that will protect and insure your credit rating. The one that seems to get the most press is LifeLock.

Good luck!

First off...Amy you are awesome...the only thing I would add is that when you put an "alert" on your credit reports, send a letter that you want attached to your report, it should include that the Id's were stolen or lost, the date, time place, and state. With a cover letter to the 3 reporting bureaus stating that you want "THAT" letter attached to your report. it gives a starting point, if some one should try to fraud your son.
I had an identity issue 12 years ago..i am STILL trying to clear it up...there is one more report to clear...I have almost gotten my point across. The only saving grace I had was that they were "signature" purchases, and the company did not have a "signature card" on file for my name.
I wish him the BEST of luck that an honest personm found it and that it will be in his mailbox...
God Bless

You are very right this day and age to be concerned.

The first thing he needs to do is find a place to stay put for a couple days. That way you can wire him some money. It is a little difficult when you are without any resources. Ask him where the nearest Western Union is and tell him to stay put so you can get him some funds.

I do not know what to do about the IDs. Maybe call your insurance company to see if they have some sort of Identity Theft protection. Most do these days.

Good Luck!

Amanda is correct, call Western Union..

I lose my cell phone all of the time and a few times my wallet or debit card only to realize when I calmed down and really looked through my vehicle, it was there the whole time..

Maybe he could stop again and look in between his seats, under the seats, in the back seat on the floor. On the passenger side when he opens the door? Possibly it just slid somewhere?

Ask him to calm down and totally think what exactly did he do each moment he was stopped at the station, the pump, the store.. everything...

I am sending you strength and a clear mind to the both of you.. Maybe it is there with him and he is just too freaked out to realize it.. My fingers are crossed..

Canel everything and check his credit online every three months. Make sure that he never has his his social security card in his wallet store it somewhere else. I dont know about how to get him money though. That is scary.

LIFE LOCK.. it' Ten dollars a month and they protect your SS# from anyone trying to open or use your private information. It's great.. i get calls on my cell or home number to ask me personal questions or if i am taking money out or making a purchase.. it's been great and i feel more safe having it you can try it or look up the web site. www.lifelock.com GOOD LUCK..!!

Hi J.,

Western Union is probably your best bet for getting money to him quickly.

As a victim of identity theft (and believe me, I have been through it all), here is my advice. First, he really does need to return to the place where his wallet was lost. If he cannot find it, then he needs to file a police report. Second, he needs to report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Third, he needs to place fraud alerts with all three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). The fraud alerts do not prevent anyone from setting up an account in his name, but they do place a greater responsibility on the merchant to verify that it is truly your son trying to establish an account. He will also need to obtain a copy of his credit report on a regular basis to monitor whether or not there is any suspicious activity. Also, there are services you can subscribe to through the credit reporting agencies that will notify you of any significant changes to your credit report. You didn't mention if his SS card was stolen. An identity thief will have a harder time establishing any accounts in his name if they don't have that. Check fraud is a more realistic possibility if they have his driver license. Don't be surprised if he gets a call from a debt collector 6 months down the road because someone used a fake check and his drivers license. Without a police report, he will have a harder time proving that he didn't do it himself. I think a couple of people mentioned LifeLock here. IMHO, LifeLock is not worth the money. Aside from putting the fraud alerts on my credit, they did absolutely NOTHING to help me. Everything I did, I did on my own and I'm happy to say the person who stole my identity was arrested a couple of weeks ago. I hope this helps you, but if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'll be more than happy to help you in any way that I can. I'd do just about anything to help spare folks the agony of everything I have gone through.

If you use walmart money gram he may need an ID to receive it, but they may give it to him with the answer to a secret question along with the reference # walmart provides you when you purchase the money gram & you have to give that # to him in order for him to pick up the money (along with the secret question & answer). Call walmarts money center located in the store, some walmarts just use the service desk & dont have money centers. i use money gram often so i know its very safe.

J., I don't have answer for you, I just want to know what other people will advise you of. My son is about to go out of state to college and I am worried about things like that. I am going to make a photo copy of everytbing in his wallet for reference if it should every be needed. At least I know I am not the only one:)