What must be done if a cardholder loses their purchase card?

The requirement for a cardholder who has lost their purchase card is to sign forms disputing any transactions that might occur on the card after loss. This is crucial because a lost card can lead to unauthorized purchases if it falls into the wrong hands. By disputing any transactions, the cardholder initiates a safeguard to protect against potential misuse, ensuring that only authorized and legitimate transactions are processed.

Furthermore, it is also important for the cardholder to take immediate steps to report the lost card to their issuing bank, which often involves filling out forms that include disputing unlawful transactions. This process is designed to offer the cardholder a layer of security and to facilitate the removal of any fraudulent charges.

While options such as notifying the vendor or applying for a new card may seem reasonable, they do not directly address the immediate concern of unauthorized charges. No action being necessary is certainly not appropriate since losing a government card carries significant risk that can lead to financial repercussions and administrative complexities. Therefore, taking action to dispute unexpected charges is essential to protect the cardholder and the agency’s interests.