Alerts

January 23, 2009 - MEDIA ALERT - Phishing Attack
Statement from Marshfield Savings Bank and Forward Financial Bank, a branch of Marshfield Savings Bank regarding a text message scam:

Marshfield Savings Bank has learned that during the past 24-hours some of our customers, as well as non-customers in Wisconsin have been receiving phishing text messages that appear to be from Marshfield Savings/Forward Financial Bank. They are NOT from Marshfield Savings or Forward Financial – they are being sent by scammers.

It is very important for consumers to realize that no bank will ever ask them for their PIN number, password, or a credit card number to verify their identity. This is a major red flag. We want to alert everyone to be aware of this situation so they can take appropriate action if they receive a similar text message.

Customers can recognize these phishing emails or text messages because they likely will arrive with a subject line of “Alert.” The body of the message will state that the customer’s account with Marshfield Savings or Forward Financial Bank has been temporarily locked and advises the customer to call a specific phone number. Again, these messages are not from Marshfield Savings Bank or Forward Financial Bank and customers should NOT provide any information.

If you have released information as a result of this scam, or if you have questions, please contact Marshfield Savings Bank at 715-387-1122 or the nearest Forward Financial Bank office, using your local telephone book.

About Phishing Attacks
There are a number of scams that regularly target customers of financial institutions. The most prominent are so-called “phishing” attacks.

In phishing, scammers try to make individuals believe their financial institution needs personal information from them, usually as a way to verify their identity. They send emails or text messages that look very authentic, copying the logo and “look” of the institution.

These emails or text messages ask for personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, credit card information or other sensitive information. Customers who divulge their information risk losing funds in their accounts, identity theft, and more. All banks are vulnerable to such attacks.

Always be sure to monitor you accounts for suspicious activity.

If you feel you are a victim of identity theft as a result of this phishing attack, contact the Office of Privacy Protection at (800)422-7128 or  email us at wisconsinprivacy@wisconsin.gov.