When a Cardholder discovers that their card or check is lost or stolen, what is the first action they should take?

The first action a Cardholder should take when discovering that their card or check is lost or stolen is to notify all affected parties. This is crucial because it helps mitigate any potential misuse of the card or check and ensures that necessary actions are taken promptly to protect against unauthorized transactions. Alerting affected parties may include contacting the issuing bank or payment processor to block the card, as well as informing relevant organizational authorities to store the cardholder's transactions and manage any implications for their accounts. This step is essential for securing sensitive financial information and maintaining the integrity of the purchasing system.

While other actions may also be necessary, such as canceling pending transactions or informing a supervisor, notifying affected parties is the most immediate and critical step to prevent further issues before other actions can take place.