Monthly Archives: August 2024

Black gloved hand holding social security hard over keyboard

My Identity Has Been Stolen. Now What?

Discovering that your identity has been stolen can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Here are the steps you should take immediately to protect yourself and minimize the damage:

  • Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Notify your bank and any credit card companies of the theft. They can help you freeze your accounts, issue new cards, and monitor for suspicious activity.
  • Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
  • File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website to report the theft and create a recovery plan. The FTC will provide you with a personalized recovery plan and help you track your progress.
  • Contact Local Law Enforcement: File a police report with your local law enforcement agency. This can help you document the theft and may be required by creditors or other entities.
  • Check Your Credit Reports: Obtain a copy of your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus. Review them carefully for any unauthorized accounts or transactions and report any discrepancies.
  • Change Your Passwords: Change the passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to banking, email, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
  • Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as your credit reports, for any signs of fraudulent activity. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service for added protection.


For more detailed information and resources, visit our Scam Prevention page.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and protect your financial well-being. Stay vigilant and proactive to prevent further damage.

Parents shopping in store with child

7 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents and students are looking for ways to save on essential supplies. Here are seven tips to help you make the most of your budget:

  1. Create a Budget and Stick to It: Before you start shopping, determine how much you can afford to spend. Make a list of necessary items and prioritize them. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay within your budget.
  2. Shop Sales and Use Coupons: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupons. Many stores offer significant savings during the back-to-school season. Combine sales with coupons for even greater discounts.
  3. Buy in Bulk: For items like notebooks, pens, and pencils, consider buying in bulk. This can often be cheaper in the long run, especially if you have multiple children or can share supplies with other families.
  4. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekends: Many states offer tax-free weekends during the back-to-school season. Plan your shopping around these dates to save on sales tax.
  5. Use Credit Card Rewards: If you have a credit card that offers rewards, use it for your back-to-school shopping. You can earn points, cash back, or other rewards that can help offset the cost of supplies.
    1. Apply for a VISA Rewards Platinum credit card with Peoples Bank and Trust. As you shop for back-to-school supplies, get rewards points you can redeem on merchandise and travel. Enjoy fraud monitoring and zero fraud liability! Learn about the VISA Rewards Platinum today.
  6. Shop Online: Online retailers often offer competitive prices and exclusive deals. Plus, you can easily compare prices across different websites to find the best deals.
  7. Open a Savings Account: Consider opening a savings account specifically for back-to-school expenses. By setting aside a small amount each month, you can build up a fund to cover these costs without straining your budget.


By following these tips, you can make back-to-school shopping more affordable and stress-free. Happy shopping!