Identity Theft Resources

Peoples Security Bank and Trust believes protecting your identity is very important. The good news is if you learn how identity theft works and how to protect yourself, you can help stop this crime.

What to do if you fall victim to identity theft

To start your recovery plan, visit identitytheft.gov/steps. This website will direct you to some of the following action items and more. Some of the more important things to take care of right away are:

• Contact the institutions and/or companies where the fraud occurred.
• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus listed in our "Fraud Alerts" section below to learn how to file a fraud alert or dispute and obtain a unique case number.
• Review your credit reports periodically and carefully. AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers obtain their free credit report. This site allows you to request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer reporting bureaus being Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission:
  • Online: https://www.identitytheft.gov 
  • Phone: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
  • TTY: 1-866-653-4261
  • Mail: Identity Theft Clearing House Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580
• File a report with the police department and obtain a copy of that report.
• If you hold accounts with Peoples Security Bank and Trust, contact us immediately and alert us to the situation.

Fraud Alert

If you believe there is a discrepancy with your credit report, or you are a victim of identity theft, you should contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file. The contact information for each fraud division is located below:

Resources

The links below are provided for you to learn more about identity theft. You will learn why protecting your identity is important, what you can do to protect it, and what to do if your identity is ever stolen.

• FDIC Introduction to Identity Theft and Electronic Scams, Additional Resources and Contact Information - Identity theft, spyware, malware, phishing, what do these terms mean? This resource by the FDIC provides an online self-educational multimedia tool on how to prevent identity theft and advice on steps to take if your identity has been stolen. 
• OnGuardOnline.gov - This resource contains practical tips from the Federal Government and technology industry to assist you in protecting your identity.

Your Credit Rights

PSBT knows your credit is important to you. This section is provided for you to learn more about your credit, your rights as a consumer, as well as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act.

• Consumer Protection - The Federal Trade Commission for consumers has information to assist you in protecting yourself as a consumer. Their site contains FACT Act education. Learn how you can obtain a free credit report annually, build better credit, better understand credit scoring, and more!
• Business Protection - The Federal Trade Commission for businesses has information to assist you in protecting your company. Their site contains FACT Act education, business credit education, and more.
• AnnualCreditReport.com - AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers obtain their free credit report. This site allows you to request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer reporting bureaus being Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.