The Gull's Call - Jul/Aug/Sep 2026

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accounts’ security to be on vacation too. Keep an eye on your accounts while you’re away. Turn on transaction alerts for bank and credit card accounts so you can spot suspicious activity quickly. Most credit cards have several potential fraud notification options. For example, you may be able to be notified every time a charge is made without your credit card being present or every time a charge over $X is made. Review charges during your trip and again when you return. A $6 mystery charge may seem harmless, but thieves sometimes test accounts with small purchases before going bigger. Use reputable travel sites. Summer travel also brings booking scams. When reserving vacation rentals, excursions, or discounted travel packages, use reputable sites, read the cancellation policies, and avoid pressure to pay quickly through wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment apps with little buyer protection. The FTC advises travelers to understand the terms before paying and notes that credit cards often provide stronger protections than debit cards, cash, or checks.

Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 9 AM – 12 PM, Community Center Parking Lot Monitor your credit report. Monitoring your credit report (at all three credit reporters) will remind you of open accounts you have that you no longer use as well as show you if someone has opened an account in your name. If something feels wrong, act quickly. Unexpected bills, collection notices, credit denials, missing statements, unfamiliar charges, or accounts you didn’t open can all be warning signs that someone is pretending to be you. What Can I Do If I think My Identity Has Been Stolen? If you believe your identity has been stolen, report it at IdentityTheft.gov, which provides a recovery plan to help limit the damage and begin repairing your credit. Identity theft prevention is about establishing smart habits before there’s a problem. While no one can guarantee you won’t become a victim of identity theft, these actions create a layer of protection that lets you enjoy summer (and rest of the year) with fewer worries. And don’t forget about our upcoming October 10th shredding event.

Shred, shred, shred. At home, shred documents with personal or financial information before tossing them. Old bills, medical statements, tax documents, bank records, and preapproved credit offers should not go straight into the trash. The FTC recommends shredding documents that contain personal and financial details. We host free shredding events twice a year. Mark your calendar for these upcoming neighborhood shredding events. In the meantime, you can keep a small “to shred” box at home.

16 July | August | September 2026

The Gull’s Call