Debit Card Telephone Scam (01/29/09)

It has come to our attention that customers are receiving automated telephone messages claiming to be from Winter Hill Bank. The message refers to the customer by name and requests the customer to enter their debit card number, PIN and expiration date in order to activate the card.

It is important to note that these are fraudulent calls not made or authorized by the Bank.

If you receive one of these calls do not provide any information. However, if you have already provided information in response to one of these calls, you should contact the Bank immediately. Please understand that neither Winter Hill Bank nor its representatives will ever initiate a call to you and ask for your confidential information.

Whenever you're dealing with requests for confidential information, legitimate or otherwise, keep the tips below in mind to reduce your risk of loss.

• When seeking assistance with your account, be sure you [i.e. the cardholder] initiate the contact, and the institution verifies your identity with questions only you would know.
• To verify whether a call is legitimate, call your bank or visit its website, using phone numbers or internet addresses from your bank statement or account documentation. Do not call back a number provided over the phone or click on a link in an email.
• Most fraudulent communications will include something that will concern or excite the victim.
• If you have been the victim of a scam, file a complaint with local law enforcement.
• Notify your financial institution immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at 800-444-4300.