So WHO is it that you are actually talking to...

We would like to make you aware of recent sophisticated scam schemes. 

Remember: Watertown Savings Bank employees will NEVER call, text, or email you to ask for your card number, PIN number, or any other personal information. If you think you may have been a victim of fraud, please contact Customer Support at 617-928-9000 immediately. 

1. Impersonation Scams – Do you actually know who you’re talking to? 

We have received reports that customers have been contacted by scammers pretending to be calling from WSB’s Fraud Department in regards to their debit card transactions. Here’s the scenario: The scammer calls to ask about an Amazon transaction and then asks for the customer’s full debit card number. The scammer then says the card has been shut down and the transaction has been stopped. They then say that they will send a replacement card and ask for the PIN number of the customer’s card. The call ends with the fraudster having both the full debit card number and PIN! 

These calls sound legitimate. They may even make you feel relieved that a “fraudulent” transaction was stopped, which could lead you to letting your guard down and sharing your personal information. We understand how convincing these fraudsters can be. Always remember, no one from WSB will ever call you regarding a transaction and ask for your full card number, account number, or PIN information. If you are worried about a suspicious purchase on Amazon, then immediately hang up, log in to your Amazon account and view your order history. If you have any additional concerns about your debit card, call Customer Support at 617-928-9000. 

2. Spoofing Scams – Can you believe your Caller ID?

Do not trust your Caller ID. Scammers often disguise who they are by displaying a name and phone number you may recognize (like “Watertown Savings Bank” and “617-928-9000”). Scammers claim to be calling from the organization whose name is displaying on your Caller ID. If you choose to pick up, then do not give any personal information. Hang up immediately. If you are worried about what has transpired, then call the organization directly and inquire if it was a legitimate phone call and if anyone had actually called you in the first place. 

3. Check Washing Scams – Was your check fished out and washed? 

Your legitimate checks that you have intended to mail to your payees may in fact be stolen from mailboxes. Your checks are then washed in chemicals to remove the ink you used to write the payee name and the dollar amount (note: the scammers do not remove your signature…). The scammers then write new payee names and a new dollar amounts and deposit them. It appears as if you have signed a check and made it out to the payee and in the dollar amount inputted by the scammer. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from such situations: (1) drop off your envelopes and checks inside the US Post Office or in a mailbox right before the mail is being taken out by a postal service worker. (2) Also, we suggest you use anti-fraud pens, which you can pick up next time you visit a WSB branch. (3) Finally, we suggest, you regularly check your WSB accounts in Online and Mobile banking to make sure all the transactions, deposits, and withdrawals, are correct. 

4. Romance Scams – Don’t mix love and money 

It may be hard to accept that the person you feel a connection with online may not be real or have honest intentions of meeting with you. Scammers pretend to be interested in you and, after building a rapport, may ask you to send them money or to cash a check or money order. It might be embarrassing and disappointing that you may have found yourself in such a predicament. Still, it is important to acknowledge the reality and stop all such payments and money transfers. It may cost you your savings and impact your relationships you may actually have in real life. 

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact Customer Support immediately at 617-928-9000.