Banner Image

Welcome to Our New Website

A fresh look with a streamlined navigation. The same trusted banking experience.
Contact Us Close
Skip to Content
Close Icon

What to Do After Fraud

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the United States. It occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud.

This information may include your:

  • Name
  • Social Security number
  • Driver's license number
  • Date of birth
  • Mother's maiden name
  • Account numbers

Identity thieves may use this information to:

  • Open new credit card accounts
  • Make unauthorized charges
  • Write fraudulent checks
  • Open bank accounts
  • Apply for loans
woman looking at phone

Common Identity Theft Tactics

Identity thieves use many methods to obtain personal information. Some of the most common include:

  • Impersonating victims in order to obtain information from banks and other businesses
  • Stealing wallets, purses, or mail
  • Diverting mail by submitting a change of address form
  • Searching through trash for personal data
  • Taking information from workplace records
  • Intercepting or obtaining information transmitted electronically

Identity theft can go undetected for months and even years. Many victims do not realize their identity has been stolen until they are denied credit or contacted about unpaid accounts they did not open.

Lost or Stolen Purse or Wallet Checklist

A lost or stolen purse or wallet can give an identity thief access to valuable personal and financial information. If this happens, take these steps right away:

  • File a police report and keep a copy for your records
  • Report your lost or stolen debit card immediately
    • Peoples Bank Customer Care: 815-936-7600
    • After Hours: 800-554-8969
  • Notify your bank and credit card providers
  • Contact one of the major credit reporting agencies and request a fraud alert
    • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Review your credit reports regularly for suspicious activity
  • Report a missing driver's license to the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • If your keys are missing, change the locks on your home and car

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

  1. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus and request a fraud alert and a victim's statement on your credit file. This alerts creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.  
    • Equifax (800) 525-6285
    • Experian (888) 397-3742
    • Trans Union (800) 680-7289
  2. Request and Review Your Credit Report: Request a free copy of your credit report if you believe it contains inaccurate information due to fraud.  Review it carefully for:
    • Accounts you did not open
    • Charges you do not recognize
    • Credit inquiries you did not authorize
  3. Contact Your Financial Institutions and Creditors: Notify all banks, lenders, and credit card companies where you have accounts.  Ask them to:
    • Restrict access to your account
    • Monitor for suspicious activity
    • Change passwords or PINS
    • Close affected accounts if necessary
  4. File a Police Report:  Report the identity theft to your local police department and keep a copy of the report.  This documentation may help when working with creditors and credit bureaus.
  5. Report the Theft to the Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Hotline at 877-438-4338 or visit identitytheft.gov. The FTC provides step-by-step recovery assistance and shares reported information with law enforcement agencies.


If you believe your Peoples Bank account information has been compromised, please contact us right away at 815-936-7600 so we can help you review your account and take appropriate action.
You are now leaving Peoples Bank of Kankakee County

You are leaving our website. We are not endorsing or guaranteeing the products, information or recommendations provided by the organizations linked to our website. We are not liable for any failure of products or services advertised on those sites. We are not responsible for the validity, collection, use or security of information by organizations that may be linked to our website. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of websites reached through the use of links from our website.

Continue