We are alerting our customers of multiple phone "VISHING" scams.

Residents and surrounding communities are being called by individuals identifying themselves as employees of Winchester Savings Bank. We want to remind you that no employee of Winchester Savings Bank will ever contact you and ask you for any personal information. Should you receive a phone call from an individual identifying themselves as calling from, or on behalf of, Winchester Savings Bank, do NOT give them any information. Instead, ask for their name, and then tell them you will call the Bank. You should immediately call our Security Officer, Richard Jordan, at (781) 721-4183.

If someone contacts you and says you've been a victim of fraud, verify the person's identity before you provide any personal information. Legitimate credit card issuers and other companies may contact you if there is an unusual pattern indicating that someone else might be using one of your accounts. But usually, they only ask if you made particular transactions; they don't request your account number or other personal information. Law enforcement agencies might also contact you if you've been the victim of fraud. To be on the safe side, ask for the person's name, the name of the agency or company, the telephone number, and the address. Get the main number from the phone book, the Internet, or directory assistance, then call to find out if the person is legitimate.

Be suspicious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your personal information. . It's hard to tell whether someone is legitimate by looking at an email or a Web site, or by speaking with someone on the phone. But if you're contacted out of the blue and asked for your personal information, it's a warning sign that something is not right. Legitimate companies and agencies do not operate that way. If you believe you have been fraudulently contacted, and if you provided account numbers, PINS, or passwords, immediately notify the companies with whom you have the accounts. For information about how to put a "fraud alert" on your files at the credit reporting bureaus and other advice for ID theft victims, contact the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Clearinghouse at 877-438-4338, TDD 202-326-2502, or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.