Tips

• Add your phone numbers to the national Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or by calling (888) 382-1222. Since February 2008, these registered telephone numbers will no longer expire off the list.
• Examine your financial institution statements immediately upon receipt to determine whether there were any unauthorized transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions that you find immediately to Williamstown Bank.

Annually

• Each year, you are entitled to one free credit report through annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228.
• Request a copy of your Social Security statements at ssa.gov/mystatement to be sure that no one else is using your social security number for employment.

Every 5 Years

• Opt out of pre-screened credit offers by calling (888) 567-8688 or at optoutprescreen.com.

Please read the other sections below to learn about the different types of scams and how to prevent them, such as spyware and tech support scams, mail and phone scams, email phishing and web spoofing scams, imposter scams, romance and grandparent scams, prize and lottery scams, gift card and bitcoin scams. Our Scam Summary page provides more tips on how to protect yourself.

Contact us immediately at (304) 375-6262 or (304) 375-3021  or (304) 973-1442 or (681) 588-0702 if you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your Williamstown Bank accounts.

Pause and Verify

• Always stop and think before taking action.  If something feels off, verify the request using a known phone number or official website – not the contact info given in the message.

Protect Your Passwords

• Never share your banking PINS, online passwords, or security codes with anyone – even if they claim to be from your bank.  Legitimate organizations will NEVER ask for them.

Avoid Suspicious Links

• Don’t click on unexpected links in emails, texts, or social media messages.  These could lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware.

Don’t Rush into Decisions

• Scammers often create a false sense of urgency.  Whether it’s a prize or a problem, take your time to think it through.  A legitimate offer or warning won’t require instant action.

Call Your Bank When Unsure

• If you’re ever in doubt, call your bank directly using the number on your card or their official website.  Our team is here to help you confirm if a request is real or a scam.

Contact us immediately at (304) 375-6262 or (304) 375-3021  or (304) 973-1442 or (681) 588-0702 if you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your Williamstown Bank accounts.

“Old Fashioned” Stealing

• Thieves typically steal wallets and purses. They also steal mail such as credit card and bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, check orders and other financial mail.

Dumpster Diving

• Thieves dig through trash looking for bills, financial or other personal information.

Change of Address

• Thieves modify or redirect your billing statements to another address by completing a “change of address” form.

Phishing

• Thieves may send unsolicited Emails, pretending to be a financial institution or a company, asking you to click a link to update or confirm your personal or login information. The link is directed to a “spoof” website designed to look like a legitimate site.

Skimming

• Thieves may use a card reader device to copy the card’s magnetic strip to duplicate without the card owner’s knowledge.

Vishing

Vishing scams target consumers by “spoofing” text or voicemail messages that ask you to call a phone number and give your personal information. Here’s how it works:

• You receive a “spoof” email, text message, or voicemail about suspicious account activity.
• The email, text message, or voicemail message will ask you to call a “customer service” number.
• When you call the customer service number, a recording will ask you to provide personal information such as account numbers, passwords, a social security number, or other critical information.
• The recording may not mention the company’s name and could potentially be an indication the call is being used for fraud.
• In a variation of this scam, you may receive a phone call.
• The call could be a “live” person or a recorded message.
• The caller may already have your personal information, which may seem as if the call is legitimate.

Smishing

Smishing is when consumers’ cell phones and other mobile devices are targeted with mobile spam. The spam, or text messages, attempt to trick consumers into providing personal information. Here’s how it works:

• You receive a fake text message, which may include a fraudulent link, asking you to register for an online service.
• The scammer attempts to load a virus onto your cell phone or mobile device.
• The scammer may also send a message ‘warning’ you that your account will be charged unless you cancel your supposed online order.
• When you attempt to log on to the website, the scammer extracts your credit card number and other personal information.
• In turn, your information is used to duplicate credit, debit and ATM cards.
• Scammers may also send you a text message again ‘warning’ you that your bank account has been closed due to suspicious activity.
• The text message will ask you to call a ‘customer service’ number to reactivate your account.
• When you call the number, you are taken to an automated voice mail box that prompts you to key in your credit card, debit card or ATM card number, expiration date and PIN to verify your information.
• Again, your information is used to duplicate credit, debit and ATM cards.

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself from going to a spoofed website, always type: www.williamstownbank.com into your browser when you login to your Williamstown Bank Online Banking Account, instead of clicking a link in an email.

Email protection tips

• Do not click links in Emails to log in, or to update or confirm your sensitive information
• Do not fill out forms in Emails
• Be cautious about opening attachments or downloading files, regardless of who sent them
• ‘Spam’, or mass email messages, often contain links to phishing websites and other unsavory websites.
• Many phishing scams originate outside of the United States. Be wary of emails from people or sources you don’t know or trust.
• Poor grammar and misspelled words from unknown sources asking you for personal information are clear warning signs of a phishing scam being operated outside of the United States.
• Legitimate companies or organizations will never ask you to divulge any personal information over email.
• Phishing emails may also be fake contests or offerings, asking you to input personal information.

If an offer or email you receive is too good to be true, it most likely is.

If you suspect you may be a victim of mail theft related check fraud, contact the U. S. Postal Inspection Service at 1 (877) 876-2455 or U. S. Postal Inspection Service

Contact us immediately at (304) 375-6262 or (304) 375-3021  or (304) 973-1442 or (681) 588-0702 if you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your Williamstown Bank accounts.

Imposter Scams

• For example:  “We’re from the IRS/utility company/bank . . .”
• Red Flags:  Urgent threats, asking for payment or personal information

Phishing

• For example:  “Your account is locked – click here.”
• Red Flags:  Suspicious links, typos, unexpected messages

Romance Scams

• For example:  “I love you . . . but I need money.”
• Red Flags:  Avoids video calls, creates emergencies

Tech Support Scams

• For example:  “We found a virus on your computer.”
• Red Flags:  Unsolicited pop-ups or calls

Prize & Lottery Scams

• For example:  “You’ve won!  Just pay the fee.”
• Red Flags:  Must pay to claim, you never entered

Grandparent Scams

• For example:  “Grandma, I’m in jail – send money.”
• Red Flags:  Urgent calls, secrecy requested

Gift Card Scams

• For example:  “Pay with gift cards and send the codes.”
• Red Flags:  Payment requested in gift cards, scratch-off codes over the phone or text

Bitcoin Scams

• For example:  “Send Bitcoin now or your accounts will be shut down.”
• Red Flags:  Demands for cryptocurrency, often tied to threats or fake investments

Contact us immediately at (304) 375-6262 or (304) 375-3021  or (304) 973-1442 or (681) 588-0702 if you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your Williamstown Bank accounts.

Keep track of transactions on your accounts by logging in to Williamstown Bank’s Online Banking, where you can view your activity as it is posted. If you have questions on getting set up in Online Banking, please call one of our offices at (304) 375-6262 or (304) 375-3021  or (304) 973-1442 or (681) 588-0702.

Protect your personal information

• Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
• Do not have personal information such as your Social Security number and driver’s license number printed on your checks.
• Keep your new and cancelled checks in a safe place.
• Do not leave your purse, wallet, checkbook, or any other forms of identification in your car.
• Shred or tear up any documents containing banking or credit information, especially pre-approved credit offers, before you throw them away. To opt out of pre-approved credit card offers, call (888) 567-8688.
• Keep your PINs and passwords a secret. Do not write them down or share them with anyone.

Contact us immediately at (304) 375-6262 or (304) 375-3021  or (304) 973-1442 or (681) 588-0702 if you notice any suspicious or unusual activity related to any of your Williamstown Bank accounts.