Phishing attacks use “spoofed” e-mails, fraudulent websites, and calls designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, Social Security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince recipients to respond to them.

How to avoid phishing scams:

1. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments. Visiting unsafe, suspicious or fake websites can lead to the intrusion of malware. Be cautious when opening e-mails or attachments you don’t recognize even if the message comes from someone in your contact list.
2. Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax or email, no matter how official it may seem.
3. Do not respond to an email that may warn of dire consequences if you do not validate your information immediately. Contact the company to confirm the email’s validity using a telephone number or website you know to be genuine. Clicking on a link could give a criminal access to your personal information.
4. Check your credit card and bank account statements regularly and look for unauthorized transactions, even small ones. Report discrepancies immediately.
5. When submitting financial information on a website, look for the padlock or key icon at the top or bottom of your browser, and make sure the web address begins with "https." This signals that your information is secure during transmission.
6. Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center at www.ic3.gov.
7. If you believe you have responded to a spoofed email, contact Watertown Savings Bank immediately so we can protect your account and your identity.

We offer additional resources to help you prevent identify theft, protect yourself against fraudulent checks, and protect yourself online.

Remember, Watertown Savings Bank will NEVER ask you for your password, PIN, or account number. If you receive a suspicious email or phone call requesting any detailed information from you, then immediately contact Watertown Savings Bank at 617.928.9000 to report this email or phone call.

For more information visit: www.ftc.gov/phishing

Source: www.aba.com/phishing