What Should You Do If You Find a Debit Card on the Floor?

Every now and then, you might stumble upon a debit card lying on the sidewalk. What do you do in such a situation? In this article, we will guide you through the steps to take if you find a debit card and ensure its safe return to its rightful owner.

Steps to Take When You Find a Debit Card

If you come across a debit card, the first thing you should do is not use it. It is unethical and illegal to use someone else's debit card. This not only violates privacy but also brings legal concerns.

Contact Information on the Card

Check if the card has the owner's name or contact information. If it does, try to reach out to the owner directly. This can be done through:

Phone call: Use the phone number on the card, if available. Facebook or social media: Post a message or message the owner directly.

Ensure you provide some context, such as where and when you found the card, to help the owner confirm it's their lost card.

Turn It In

If you are unable to get in touch with the owner directly, take the card to the nearest bank branch or credit union. These financial institutions have procedures in place to trace and return lost cards to their owners efficiently.

Steps at the Bank Branch

Once at the bank, follow these steps:

Report the found card to the customer service desk or lost and found department. Get a receipt for the card. This will serve as evidence that the card has been turned in. The bank can help trace the card to its owner, either through the card issuer or by other means.

Report to Local Law Enforcement

If turning the card in at the bank is not feasible, consider reporting it to local law enforcement. They may have procedures in place for handling lost property and can log the find for the owner.

Steps to Report to the Police

Visit the local police station to report the lost debit card. Describe the incident and provide any relevant details. Request a report or case number for further reference.

A Personal Account

Here's a real-life story of someone who found a debit card on the sidewalk and took the right steps to return it to its owner:

I was walking into my son’s high school in New Jersey around noon and found a debit card on the sidewalk. Those things used to be difficult to replace and the owner was going to miss it soon. After finishing my business, I took my son to the dermatologist. While he was in the appointment, I figured the owner probably lived close by, since she dropped it at the high school and presumably was a parent like me.

I tried using Facebook and found her, and something else gave me her home phone in the days of home phones. I called, but the recording said to call the customer service number. My caller ID was from California, so understandably, she didn’t pick up. Next, I texted her, "I have your debit card from the high school. I'm at the dermatologist, etc... and to text me please."

I received the most amusing call back. She couldn't imagine how I found her. Turns out her son goes to the same dermatologist, so we met there and she got her card back. It was a small act of kindness that made a big difference to the owner.

Prevent Future Incidents

To prevent such incidents, consider using cardless debit and payment systems, such as mobile wallets or contactless cards. Staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings can also help you avoid losing your own card in the future.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can help ensure that a lost debit card is returned to its rightful owner safely and efficiently. It’s a small act of kindness that can make a significant impact.