Six US Banks Issue Urgent Debit Card Alerts, Forcing Mandatory Replacements for Many, After Third-Party Security Breach

Six US banks are reporting potential security breaches of debit cards, with several forcing affected customers to get replacements.

In new filings with the Massachusetts state government, Mainstreet Bank, Savers Bank, The Village Bank, Watertown Savings Bank, Webster Five Cents Savings Bank and Eagle Bank say some debit cards may have been compromised following a security breach of a merchant’s payment card platform.

A copy of a notice sent to Eagle Bank customers was recently posted on the government site, stating an unnamed Mastercard merchant allowed unauthorized access to account information.

A notice to customers at The Village Bank and a letter to customers at Savers Bank also pinpoint a merchant breach.

Says Savers Bank,

“We have been notified by MasterCard International of a suspected security breach of a merchant’s network, transactions that may have compromised some of Savers Bank’s debit card numbers.”

Affected customers at Eagle Bank and Savers Bank will receive new cards automatically.

Webster Five Cents Savings Bank offers fewer details on the source of the breach, but says it’s also issuing mandatory new debit cards.

Watertown Savings Bank is asking customers to be vigilant, issuing new cards upon request.

“The breach included the capture of some of your personal information, such as your name and card number…

…we do ask that you remain vigilant on monitoring your account activity for the next 12 to 24 months and report any unusual or suspicious activity immediately. If you prefer that we issue a new card please contact the bank.”

Mainstreet Bank says the breach occurred “June 28, 2023 through April 26, 2024” and involved personally identifiable or protected data.

“We have reason to believe that some of our customers may have had their card data compromised (which could include card names, numbers, and card expiration dates) in the incident.”

Mainstreet Bank is giving customers who would like to take extra precautions the option to receive a new card.

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