Category: Security

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.

Phone with lock symbol on it in front of an open laptop

Digital Deception: How to Identify and Avoid Online Banking Scams

Staying Safe Online

In the digital age, banking has never been more convenient. But with this convenience comes a new wave of cyber threats that can catch even the savviest of us off guard. Online banking scams are on the rise, and it’s crucial to stay one step ahead. Let’s dive into the murky waters of digital deception and learn how to keep your finances secure.

The Latest Online Banking Scams 

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick us. Here are some of the latest and most common tactics we’ve seen:

  1. Investment Scams: These scams top the list with reported losses in the billions, where fraudsters lure victims with promises of high returns on investments.
  2. Impersonation Scams: Scammers impersonate business or government officials to steal money or personal information, often using intimidation tactics.
  3. Payment Method Scams: Fraudsters prefer bank transfers and cryptocurrency for scam payments, leading to significant losses for victims. They will even use peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle.
  4. Social Media Scams: A large portion of scams originate on social media platforms, with scammers using fake profiles or ads to deceive users. In fact, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 2022 Online Scams Report found that many people commonly found themselves the victims of a scam after trying to buy a puppy online. This was due to scammers purchasing ads for their fake e-commerce websites for social media. Around 44% of social media scams from January to June of 2023 were connected to online shopping.
  5. AI-Powered Scams: Artificial intelligence is being used to create convincing phishing messages and deepfakes, making scams more believable.
  6. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Scammers exploit the confusion around student loan forgiveness programs to trick victims into paying fake fees or sharing personal information.
  7. Phone Scams: Including robocalls and impersonators, phone scams use smartphones’ capabilities to install malware or extract personal data.
  8. Job Scams: Offering fake employment opportunities, scammers may ask for personal information or payment to “secure” a job.
  9. Money-Making Opportunity Scams: Victims are enticed with the prospect of easy money, only to find themselves defrauded.
  10. Prize and Grant Scams: Scammers promise fake prizes or grants, requesting payment or personal details to claim the supposed reward.

Recognizing the Red Flags 

So, how can you spot these scams? Here are some telltale signs:

  • Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.
  • Unsolicited contact: Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information.
  • Suspicious links: Hover over links to see where they really lead before clicking.
  • Requests for sensitive information: Your bank will never ask for your password or PIN via email or text.

Avoiding the Traps 

Here are some practical steps to protect yourself:

  • Secure your devices: Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Be skeptical: If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify through official channels.
  • Strong passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly.
  • Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

We’re Your Shield Against Scams 

At Peoples Bank and Trust, we’re committed to your financial safety. Our security measures and vigilant fraud monitoring are like a digital fortress around your finances. We’re here to educate and empower you, so you can bank online with confidence. Remember, if you ever have doubts about the legitimacy of a communication, reach out to us directly. Your peace of mind is our top priority.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and stay safe. With the right knowledge and tools, you can protect yourself from the digital deceivers looking to disrupt your financial harmony.

What is FDIC Insurance?

What is FDIC Insurance?

Deposit insurance is one of the biggest pros of having an account at an FDIC-insured bank. An FDIC-insured bank protects your money in the event of an unlikely bank failure. Keep reading to learn the benefits of being covered by an FDIC-insured bank. 

What is FDIC Insurance? 

FDIC insurance is a significant benefit of putting your money in a bank that is FDIC insured. “The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category.” Simply banking with an FDIC-insured bank takes away having to purchase deposit insurance, as you are automatically covered. FDIC insurance maximizes your protection. 

What Does FDIC Insurance Typically Cover? 

Just because a banking institution offers FDIC insurance, that does not necessarily mean all accounts, products, and investments are covered. 

FDIC insurance often covers:

  • Checking Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
  • Money Market Accounts
  • Certificates of Deposits
  • Cashier’s Checks or Money Orders
  • Negotiable Order of Withdrawal Accounts

The FDIC does not cover:

  • Stock Investments
  • Bond Investments
  • Mutual Funds
  • Annuities
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Life Insurance Policies
  • U.S. Treasury Bills, Bonds, or Notes

Remember if your bank is an FDIC-insured institution coverage is automatic to you, there is no need to apply for FDIC insurance.

Are You Covered? 

To find out if your deposits are insured utilize the tools below to check if your bank is insured, which of your accounts are covered, and how much of your deposits are insured.

Is Your Bank Institution Insured? – Not all banks are FDIC insured. Be sure to check that your is!

Are Your Deposit Accounts Insured? – Not all accounts, products, and investments are covered by FDIC insurance. 

How Much of Your Deposits Are Insured?  Use EDIE or Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator to determine how much are insured. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Deposit Insurance

If you are looking to learn more about FDIC insurance, we would be happy to help. If you are interested in FDIC deposit insurance coverage, simply make sure you are placing your funds in a deposit product at the bank.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

cybersecurity

Cybersecurity 101 for a Remote Workforce

As remote work becomes more “normal” in today’s world, it’s important to consider the security risks that come with working from home. Whether you’re an employee or manage employees who work from home, these tips will help protect both you and the company you work for.

1. Use a VPN

If you ever must use unsecured or public networks, make sure remote employees are using a VPN. This will encrypt all your internet traffic which prevents outsiders from keeping tabs on your activity. Make sure you do your research and use a VPN that has good speed and stability, otherwise it could slow down your internet speeds.

2. Watch Out for Phishing

We’ve all received a phishing email before, and sometimes they’re obvious to catch. Other times, though, phishing emails look realistic and not like scams at all. Be careful and always check the sender’s email address and content of the email before clicking any links or responding. Another clear sign of phishing scams is when there are spelling and grammar mistakes.

3. Utilize Cyber Training Frequently

There are lots of cyber awareness programs that help track and improve the cyber risk of your team. The training your team completes should go over possible cybercriminal situations, how to handle them, rules for device use, new threats to keep in mind and more. This will help your employees feel more prepared when a cybersecurity issue arises.

4. Keep Devices Locked

Locking your device when you walk away from your workspace is an easy task to forget since it’s not a habit formed when you’re in the office. This is extremely important if you’re working in any public setting like a coffee shop, but you should even lock your devices when you’re at home. Your little one could end up messing with your keyboard and pushing buttons, an untrusted roommate might get snoopy… you never know and it’s better safe than sorry!

5. Use Strong and Secure Passwords

One of the most obvious but most important things when it comes to cybersecurity is using strong
passwords. Make sure it:

  • Doesn’t include personal information
  • Includes numbers, special characters, upper and lowercase letters
  • Isn’t too short

Password managers are a great option since it can be difficult to remember multiple complex passwords. They’ll keep your strong passwords organized and easy to access for your convenience and safety.

As a business, training staff on cybersecurity has become crucial and will only become more important as time goes on. Remote work isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – if anything it will become more common – so now’s a great time to send this article as a reminder to your team of remote workers!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

computer

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission defines identity theft as theft that happens “when someone uses your Social Security number or other personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund.” This kind of theft not only steals your money, but your precious time as you work to figure out what accounts are compromised and finding safe ways to re-open them. Keep reading to prevent identity theft. 

Start by Educating Yourself 

The first step to protecting yourself from identity theft is to learn what type of information a thief might be after. Different types of identity theft where criminals gather information about you include financial fraud, medical identity theft, social security theft, child identity theft, tax theft and others. For example: 

  • Financial Fraud – spending money with your debit and/or credit card numbers.  
  • Medical Identity Theft – personal information such as SSN, date of birth, etc. used to receive medical services under your name. 
  • Social Security Theft – using your SSN to open fraudulent accounts in your name. 
  • Child Identity Theft – family members who use a child’s SSN, birthday and address to open fraudulent accounts in the child’s name. 
  • Tax Identity Theft – using your personal information to file a tax return under your name and receive a refund. 

Next Step: Protecting Yourself 

Use can these tips to start protecting yourself from identity theft right away. It’s much more easy to prevent fraud than it is to recover from it, so you can save yourself a lot of trouble by taking the initiative to follow our guidelines as soon as you can. 

  • Check your bank account activity at least once a week to make sure there aren’t any suspicious transactions. With an online banking account, you can quickly see all transaction history and alert your bank if you suspect fraud.  
  • Shred important documents instead of throwing them in the garbage. It’s odd, we know, but people even sift through trash to find things like bank statements with account information or medical bills with your personal information. Shredding it will make it impossible for someone to use paper documents against you.  
  • Guard your pin number when typing it into a card reader or ATM. You never know when someone is looking over your shoulder! Better yet, use the “tap” method on your card if you have it. Then you won’t be asked to punch in a pin at all. 
  • Don’t click on suspicious links in your email. Watch your emails for links that contain spam. If you ever receive an email asking for personal or banking information, verify it’s legitimate before replying. 
  • Make sure the sites are secure before making an online purchase. When banking and shopping online, check to make sure the sites security is enabled. A site with “https://” is secure, while one with “http://” is not secure. 

If you’re ever in the situation where you think your identity has been stolen, report it immediately! You can get in touch with your bank and the FTC and they will both be able to help you recover information or close fraudulent accounts. If you have more questions or you’re wondering if your identity has been stolen, contact us and we’ll set up a time to chat. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

computer

Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself

According to IdentityForce.com, about 1 in 15 people were victims of identity fraud in 2019. As technology continues to grow, the risk will only get higher. That’s why protecting yourself from this kind of crime is more important now than ever! 

Rundown of Identity Theft 

The first step in prevention is recognizing what identity theft is and why it’s dangerous. A simple description of identity theft is a crime in which an individual’s personal and/or financial information is illegally obtained, most commonly for financial gain. With your information, that criminal could then: 

  • Withdraw money from your bank account 
  • Steal your tax refund 
  • Sell your information to others 
  • Apply for loans, credit cards, etc. in your name 

Recognizing Identity Theft 

Now it’s time to understand what the signs of identity theft are so you’re prepared if you were ever put in this situation. If you start noticing any of these things, identity theft may be the problem at hand: 

  • You notice unusual or unrecognizable withdrawals from your bank account 
  • Your tax return received a rejection notice 
  • You are turned down for a loan for bad credit when you have good credit 
  • You notice an absence in your household bills coming through the mail 

Preventing Identity Theft 

The good news is there are lots of things you can do to protect yourself from crimes like this. To make it not so easy for criminals to steal your information, follow these important steps: 

  • Never give out personal information such as your Social Security number or bank information 
  • Destroy private records with a paper shredder before throwing it in the trash 
  • Check your bank account and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity 
  • Create strong passwords and use different passwords for each account you own 
  • Don’t click on unknown links and don’t enter any login credentials on an unfamiliar login screen 
  • Never carry your Social Security card on you, but instead keep it in a safe and secure place in your house unless you need to access it 

When it comes to protecting yourself from identity theft, the more precautions you take, the better! Make 2021 the year you decide to up your security game and take proper action. To learn more about cybersecurity or to discuss the financial services we offer, visit our website. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

phone

5 Reasons You Should Utilize Online & Mobile Banking

Besides the obvious positive of having constant access to your bank account on your very own device, online and mobile banking brings various benefits to the table. If you haven’t downloaded our mobile app yet, keep reading to find out why you should. 

1. Deposit Checks Anywhere 

Save yourself a trip by making it possible to deposit checks from the comfort of your home. It’s an easy process, too! All you do is endorse the check with “PBTC Mobile Deposit”, take a picture of each side and enter basic information. Your check will be processed in seconds – it’s as simple as that!  

2. 24/7 Access 

Say goodbye to working around the bank’s hours to do simple tasks like checking your balance, viewing your transaction history, transferring money, depositing checks or printing bank statements. With online and mobile banking, you have access to these services and information 24/7, even outside of bank hours. 

3. Quick and Easy Transfer 

There may be instances when you quickly need to transfer money from your savings account to your checking account or vice versa. This process is simple, too, and in just a few steps your transfer will be processed. Mobile banking is also helpful in situations where account balances get too low and you have automatic payments. You can set up notifications to make sure you transfer money before dropping below a certain amount and overdrawing. 

4. Never Miss a Bill with Autopay  

Autopay is easy to set up and allows you to pay your bills without having to lift a finger. By filling out a few quick forms online, money will automatically be sent out or transferred each month to pay your bills in a timely manner. Not only is this convenient for you, but it allows you to completely avoid the risk of paying a late fee. 

5. Print or Download Statements 

Save yourself another trip to the bank with access to E-Statements anytime. If you’re wanting to print or download statements for tax purposes or personal records, you simply login to your online account and print off what you want. This makes organizing your personal records easy, too, whether you want to do so on paper or safely and securely on your computer. 

Now that you know why online and mobile banking is so great, it’s time to get started! Click here to learn more about our services, ask us questions and to find out what your next online banking steps are. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

computer

Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Concerns about cyberattacks on small businesses continue to grow, and knowing how to protect your business is crucial. Because smaller businesses don’t have the same amount of security as a big businesses, they’re prime victims for cybercriminals. Keep reading to learn the best ways to keep your small business out of online danger. 

Always use strong and secure passwords 

This is the most obvious and well-known cybersecurity tip, but it’s one of the most important. If you want any sort of protection from hackers, your passwords must be strong, secure and updated regularly. You can take extra precautions by having a strong password created for you online rather than creating your own. 

Never use the same password for multiple accounts 

Going along with the first tip, password security is a must. Not only should your passwords be strong and updated, but they should differ on each account. Using the same password for multiple accounts is risky because if one account is compromised, they all are. There are online password managers you can utilize to help with keeping track of the multiple passwords you have on varying accounts. 

Keep your software updated 

Outdated and old versions of apps can be more vulnerable to hacker access. A great way to keep your software secure is to install all updates for software and applications as soon as they’re made available.  

Use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) 

VPNs are made to encrypt all traffic that leaves and enters your device. Using a VPN is a smart step towards securing your business’s information. If a cybercriminal somehow hacks you and intercepts your information, it will all be encrypted data which is useless for them. 

Train your employees properly 

Being consistent with your employee is extremely important for your small business’s online safety. Make sure all employees know what precautions to take, how to use and handle business information and what the penalties are for failing to follow those rules. 

Try hacking your own system  

Hiring an IT specialist to analyze and audit your system to search for weaknesses is a great way to see what needs to be improved. Doing this will help you understand how to better protect your small business. 

Most small businesses are very under-protected when it comes to cyber safety and protecting their information. We hope you’ll follow these tips and take all the necessary precautions in order to keep your small business out of harm’s way. Contact us for all of your finance needs!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

computer

Online Safety Tips for Remote Workers

Whether you’ve been working from home for a while or just recently started, getting a refresher on staying safe online is always a good idea. Working remotely comes with being at risk for a cyber-attack, which can be dangerous for your private work data. Read these online security tips to ensure you’re doing what you can to keep cybercriminals away. 

Keep Your Work Covered 

It’s always nice to change up the scenery and visit a park or coffee shop to get some work done. Working in public does come with its concerns, so make sure you’re playing it safe. Don’t let those around you peek at your screen or see what work you’re doing. You never know what strangers are up to and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cybercriminals can be anywhere! 

Always Use Strong Passwords 

Not only should your accounts be protected with a strong password, but your devices should be, too. Make sure your laptop, phone and other devices are locked with a secure password. Remember not to use the same password across multiple accounts – if one password is compromised, then all of your accounts could be taken over. A great tool for this is a password manager, which will create and remember strong and secure passwords for you. 

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication 

Along with having a strong password comes the importance of two-factor authentication. This will add an additional step to your login process to make sure your account is protected and not being hacked. Some common ways this works is through an email/text confirmation or fingerprint scan. Two-factor authentication ensures that, even if your password is compromised, you still have a backup plan in action. 

Beware of Public Wi-Fi 

Using public Wi-Fi is the prime way that cybercriminals are able to access your data. They’re using the same network as you, making it much easier for them to hack your device or accounts. If you’re doing work in a public place, use a personal hotspot or a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, which would make it unreadable to others. 

We hope these tips were good reminders for those of you who work remotely. Cybersecurity is becoming more and more important as technology advances, so be sure to share this information with coworkers, family, friends and others you know who are working from home! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

computer

Online Safety: Family Edition

Today, having both Internet access and safety seems nearly impossible. While technology can be enriching and educational, it has its downsides. How can you protect your family from the dangers of the Internet while also allowing them access? Keep reading for some of our online safety tips for families. 

Be Careful What Information You’re Sharing 

Many hackers and identity thieves feed off oversharing. Be careful which websites you’re entering personal information into – don’t trust just any website. Oversharing is also dangerous on social networks, so be sure to make your kids aware of the information that shouldn’t ever be shared, like driver’s licenses, usernames or passwords, addresses, social security numbers, etc. 

Be Careful Using Public Wi-Fi 

Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network can seem harmless and convenient, but that’s not always true. Using public Wi-Fi in places like restaurants and malls is an easy way for hackers and cybercriminals to hack your information. Remember to use a VPN when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network. 

Keep an Eye on Your Social Media Networks 

Random messages from unknown users have become more common as social media becomes more popular. Although it seems obvious to ignore spam messages, delete them and move on, kids might not know to do that. Teach your kids to never respond to an unknown person’s message online, and emphasize how dangerous it is to respond to strangers. The smartest move is to get your kids into the habit of coming to you when they receive a strange message so you can double check the user’s profile. 

Educate Your Children 

Most of the time, the reason kids fall into the trap of hackers is because they’re uneducated. Give your kids a mini lesson about what cybersecurity is, why it’s so important and how they can protect themselves. Remind them that if anything seems unusual, they should talk to you so you can make sure the situation is safe. 

Manage Your Passwords 

Most Internet users have the same couple of passwords for all their accounts, making the hacking process even easier. There are safe password management systems allowing you to use a different password for all of your accounts, while only having to remember one password for the system.  

Backup Your Data 

Cybercriminals that hack into your computer can lock you out of your own important files and information. Keep your files backed up regularly so in that situation, you know your files aren’t lost. 

Although there are many ways your cybersecurity can be compromised, there are multiple ways to protect yourself and your family. We hope you protect your information with these top tips! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender