If you have a lost receipt, your best plan of action probably is to contact the place that gave you the original copy and see whether the store can reprint the receipt for you. When getting a reprinted receipt isn't an option, you might be able to check back through your bank or credit card statements to see whether you can find a copy of your transaction, but of course, this is helpful only if you paid for something with a check, debit card or credit card. If you need to return an item and are unable to prove your purchase, you still might be able to get a store credit. Most stores will not give you cash on returned items when you don't have your receipt, but a store credit will allow you to purchase another item of equal or lesser value