Phone Call Scams

There are many different types of phone call scams created to obtain personal information from a victim. The ultimate goal of all of these calls is to get you to give up personal account information to the caller.

Some such techniques include but are not limited to:

• A call that informs you your card has been deactivated and instructs you to call a number to activate your card.
• A caller provides you with some of your account information, but requests additional information from you.
• A caller mentions that your family member is in trouble (jail, accident, etc.) and needs your account information to help them.

Tips to avoid phone call scams:

1. Western, like other financial institutions, would never ask members for their PINs, 3-digit security codes or other account information over the phone. Western advises members to never provide confidential information over the phone or through electronic channels unless the member initiates the interaction and is confident that it is with a reliable organization.
2. If you receive a call from a company and they are requesting personal information, hang up, obtain the number of the company from a reputable source and call them back. If it is Western, call 877-254-9328.
3. As a general rule, never provide any of your personal information over the phone when you have not initiated the call, unless you are certain it is a legitimate call.

If you suspect you have been a victim of a phone call scam on your Western accounts please contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328.

Phone Call Alert - January 2008

Western members have reported receiving calls from persons claiming to be working for the Social Security Administration requesting account information so a deposit could be made. The Social Security Administration will not request account information by phone. If you have been a victim of this scam, contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328 immediately.

Phone Call Alert - August 2008

Western has learned of a recent credit card scam targeting Visa and MasterCard users. The caller states that they are from the Security and Fraud Department at Visa or Master Card and they are calling to verify a purchase that was flagged due to an unusual purchase pattern. The part that makes this scam unique is that the caller will most likely have your credit card information and will state the correct name of your financial institution, and possibly your address. The caller verifies that the card is in your possession by asking you to verify the 3-digit number on the back of your card (often required to make any internet purchases). Once you provide them with this number they will then proceed to make the same fraudulent charges on your credit card that they claimed to be calling about, which will be the actual fraud. If you have been a victim of this scam, contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328 immediately.