Fraud attempts are on the rise, and scammers continue finding new ways to access personal and financial information. At Needham Bank, your security is our top priority. We’re committed to helping you protect your personal accounts and understand exactly what we will, and will not, ask for when verifying your identity.
Below is a simple guide to help you recognize legitimate communications from Needham Bank and avoid common scams.
What Needham Bank Will Never Ask You
If a phone call, email, or text message appears to be from Needham Bank but asks for sensitive information, it’s a red flag. Fraudsters may use convincing messages, spoofed phone numbers, or urgent language to pressure you into sharing private details.
Needham Bank will never request the following:
- Your online banking username or password
- Your full account number, debit card number, or credit card number
- Your ATM or debit card PIN
- Your CVV number
- Your security token (for business clients)
If someone asks for this information, no matter how legitimate the communication looks, do not respond. Contact us directly at 781-444-2100 to verify the request.
What Needham Bank May Ask When Verifying Your Identity
To keep your accounts secure, Needham Bank uses multi-layered identity verification methods. When confirming your identity, we may ask for:
- A one-time passcode sent directly to you
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
- Your date of birth
- Your driver’s license number
- Your mother’s maiden name
These details help us ensure that your transactions and account access remain protected.
Tip: Fraudsters often try to create a false sense of urgency to rush you into sharing information. Always pause, think, and verify before responding.
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Scammers frequently target consumers during the holiday season, hoping to exploit increased shopping and charitable giving. Here are some of the most common scams and how to avoid them. Read more about these 5 Scams to Avoid so You Can Enjoy the Holidays.
Scam websites may mimic real retailers or offer deals that seem too good to be true. Watch for:
- Misspellings in the website name
- Strange or unfamiliar domains (e.g., “.net” instead of “.com”)
- Missing “https” at the start of the URL
Always verify the site before entering your payment information.
Phishing emails or texts may claim to be from USPS, FedEx, or UPS asking you to “confirm” personal details or click a tracking link. These often contain:
- Poor grammar or misspellings
- Suspicious email addresses
- Unexpected requests for personal information
Never click links from unknown senders.
Fraudsters may call or email pretending to be Amazon, claiming there’s an issue with your account or a refund. They may try to obtain your banking information or pressure you to send money.
Amazon will never ask for your login credentials, banking details, or remote access to your device.
Scammers sometimes impersonate legitimate charities to steal donations. Before giving:
- Research the organization
- Donate through trusted platforms
- Double-check the website URL
If you feel rushed or pressured to donate, it’s likely a scam.
If you receive a message saying you’ve won a contest you didn’t enter, it’s a scam. Fraudsters may ask for:
- Personal details
- A “processing fee”
- Payment for taxes on the prize
Never provide information or click links related to unsolicited contest claims.
Protect Your Personal Accounts All Year Long
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not stress. By staying informed and recognizing suspicious activity, you can keep your personal and banking information safe.
For more tips, explore these additional resources:
- Banks Never Ask That: Protecting Yourself Against Fraud, Phishing, and Identity Theft
- Fraud Alert: 6 Phone Scams and 6 Tips to Protect Yourself
- Fraud Recovery Checklist
If you ever receive a request that seems questionable, call Needham Bank directly at 781-444-2100. We’re here to help you keep your accounts secure.
