Your identity is precious, and unfortunately, that also makes it a hot commodity for thieves. But, the good news is, here at Kitsap Bank we work hard to prioritize both the safety and security of your financial information. 

*Current Scam*

Kitsap Bank clients are currently receiving phone calls that appear to be coming directly from Kitsap Bank. Once on the line, the bank impersonator will ask for your personal information to verify transactions or to transfer funds.

Remember, we will never request vital pieces of information over the phone, by text message, or email. Items such as Account Number, Passwords, PIN Numbers, Social Security Number, etc. If you receive a phone call that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to hang up and reach out to us directly. Your banker is always happy to help you determine if the request is fraudulent. 

Why and How Kitsap Bank May Contact You:

Bank impersonators are well known in the world of fraud, and their tactics can be deceptively convincing. We want to give you the tools you need to call their bluff. To make it easier to identify a true Kitsap Bank representative, here are some, but not all, of the ways in which we may contact you:

• Using the secure messaging feature within Mobile Banking to send you alerts, updates, and messages concerning your accounts.
• Our Online Support Department may call you or send a secure message through online banking to verify a change of address, verify abnormal logins, or other maintenance requests, to make sure it was you who authorized. 
• Your local branch or one of our back office departments may contact you directly with questions regarding account transactions. We will contact the phone number we have on file, so make sure to keep that up to date.

It is important to remember that we will never request the following vital pieces of information over the phone, by text message, or email:

• Your full social security number
• Passwords or PIN numbers
• Your account number
• Your routing number

If you receive a message or a phone call that seems suspicious, but you are unsure, trust your instincts! Do not hesitate to reach out to us directly if something doesn’t feel right. Your banker is always happy to help you determine if the request is fraudulent. 

Have questions? Call our Customer Service team at 800.283.5537, or Find Your Branch              

To learn more about how you can protect yourself or your business from fraud, please visit our fraud education pages:

Personal Fraud Education

Business Fraud Education 

Other Resources:

• ABA - American Bankers Association (Fraud Info, Consumer Education, Articles)
• ATG - Washington State Attorney General (Consumer Protection Programs, Internet Safety for Kids, Protecting Seniors, Fraud Fighters)
• BBB - Better Business Bureau – (Consumer Tips, Check a Business or Charity, File a Complaint)
• Credit Reporting Agencies - Equifax, Experian, Trans-Union
• DOJ - Department of Justice (Fraud Information)
• DOL - Department of Licensing (Identity Theft FAQs)
• FDIC - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Consumer Alerts, Safe Internet Banking, Tips on Fraud)
• FBI - Federal Bureau Of Investigation (New Scams and Warnings, How To Protect Yourself, Parent's Guide To Internet Safety)
• FTC - Federal Trade Commission (Consumer and Business Information, Info on Current/New Scams, Consumer Tips, Stop SPAM, Telemarketers, Affidavit in case you are a victim, National Do Not Call Registry)
• NFIC - National Fraud Information Center (Telemarketing and Internet Fraud, Elder Fraud)
• WSBA - Washington State Bar Association (Types of Fraud, Find Legal Help)
• WSP - Washington State Patrol (FAQs, Identity Theft Unit)