Fraud Alert: Beware of Text and Phone Scams
Scammers may send text messages or place phone calls that appear to come from trusted organizations, including financial institutions. Caller ID and text message information can be spoofed to look legitimate. Always use caution before responding to unexpected requests for personal or account information. Never share passwords, security codes, or online banking credentials through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
If you are unsure whether a message or call is legitimate, contact Washington Trust directly using the phone numbers on our website or on the back of your debit card.
Text Message Scams
Local customers are being targeted with text messages regarding potentially fraudulent transaction disputes on their account.
The text is asking customers to call the bank but provides a fraudulent phone number. If you have received these text messages recently and provided any personal information, please contact our Customer Solutions Center at 401-348-1200.
Some consumers in our local area have reported receiving text messages appearing to be from Washington Trust. One message contains a QR code image and directs customers to use the QR code to visit a website to input their online banking credentials and personal information. Another text message contains much the same wording but uses a fraudulent link instead of a QR code. These text messages are fraudulent and are not from Washington Trust.
The fraudulent website is designed to look like the Washington Trust website but does not use the washtrust.com domain. If you have received one of these texts, do not visit this website and delete the text immediately. If you have not clicked any links, or visited the fraudulent website, no further action is necessary.
If you have visited the site and provided your online banking credentials or personal information, please call our Customer Solutions Center at 800-475-2265 and speak to a customer service representative. To protect yourself from these types of scams:
- Never click a link sent via text message or email that appears to be from your bank.
- Always use the Washington Trust mobile app or visit www.washtrust.com to log into digital banking.
- Remember that Washington Trust will never call you and ask for your digital banking password, one time password or debit card PIN number.
Digital Banking Access Requests
- We've been made aware of an increase in fraudsters requesting access to digital banking accounts. Please remember that there is no legitimate reason for anyone other than you to access your digital banking account, and your bank will never ask for your password. If you have questions, please call our Customer Solutions Center at 401-348-1200.
