Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention

Each year, millions of Americans have their identity stolen. We want you to have the information you need to protect yourself.

The Peoples Bank logo and "Where people come first!" tagline mounted on a lobby wall

While there are no guarantees about avoiding identity theft, it's important for you to know:

  • We will never initiate a request for sensitive information (such as social security number, login ID, password, PIN, or account number), nor ask you to verify account information via email.
  • We strongly suggest that you do not share your personal login ID, password, PIN, or account number with anyone, under any circumstances.

If you receive an email requesting this type of action, be suspicious and contact your local branch immediately. Report suspicious emails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission at consumer.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-IDTHEFT.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves the unlawful acquisition and use of someone's identifying information, such as your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, mother's maiden name, driver's license, or bank/credit card account numbers.

Thieves use this information to commit fraud — opening new accounts, purchasing vehicles, applying for loans and credit cards, renting apartments, and establishing utility services. It can severely damage your credit and create serious financial hardship.

How Do They Get Your Information?

  • Lost or stolen items — Checkbooks, credit cards, driver's licenses, or Social Security cards.
  • Mail theft — Bank statements, credit card offers, new checks, and tax documents.
  • Onlookers — Watching you enter your PIN at an ATM or overhearing phone conversations.
  • Dumpster diving — Rummaging through trash for documents with personal information.
  • Phishing — Emails or pop-ups directing you to fake websites to collect sensitive information.
  • Pretexting — Phone calls posing as a legitimate company claiming you have an account problem.
  • Skimming — Data capture devices attached to ATMs or point-of-sale terminals.
  • Inside jobs — Employees at businesses who steal records or are bribed for access.

How to Protect Your Identity

  • Report lost or stolen checks or credit cards immediately.
  • Shred all documents containing personal information before discarding.
  • Pay bills online or mail payments from a USPS drop box — not your curbside mailbox.
  • Retrieve your mail promptly, and have it held during travel.
  • Don't carry more cards than necessary or include sensitive details on your checks.
  • Never give personal information to anyone you don't trust completely.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
  • Review your financial statements immediately upon receipt and report unauthorized transactions right away.
  • Request free annual credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and verify accuracy.

If You Suspect You're a Victim

  • Immediately notify us and your other financial institutions. You'll need new account numbers and a new PIN.
  • Report suspicious or fraudulent activity right away.
  • Call the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
  • Contact your local police department — financial fraud is a crime.
  • Call the FTC's ID Theft hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT.
  • Notify the U.S. Postal Inspectors Office if mail theft is involved.
  • Contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 269-0271 to report misuse of your SSN.
  • Report a stolen driver's license to your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Keep detailed notes of all contacts and copies of all documents.

Additional Resources

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — ftc.gov
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) — fdic.gov
  • United States Department of Justice — justice.gov