Six US banks have announced a potential security breach affecting their debit cards, leading to mandatory replacements for many customers. The breach originated from a third-party merchant’s payment processing system.
The Banks Involved and Their Responses
The affected banks include Mainstreet Bank, Savers Bank, The Village Bank, Watertown Savings Bank, Webster Five Cents Savings Bank, and Eagle Bank. All six banks have reported the incident to Massachusetts state authorities.
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Automatic Replacements: Eagle Bank and Savers Bank are automatically issuing new debit cards to affected customers.
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Mandatory Replacements: Webster Five Cents Savings Bank is also mandating new debit cards for customers.
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Optional Replacements: Mainstreet Bank is offering new cards to customers who want them as an extra precaution. They stated the breach occurred between June 28, 2023, and April 26, 2024, potentially compromising cardholder names, numbers, and expiration dates.
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Increased Vigilance: Watertown Savings Bank is urging customers to monitor their accounts closely for suspicious activity over the next two years and is issuing new cards upon request. They also noted that the breach included the capture of personal information such as names and card numbers.
The Source of the Breach
The banks’ notices indicate that the security breach stemmed from a Mastercard merchant whose payment card platform was compromised. The specific merchant remains unnamed. The breach allowed unauthorized access to customer account information, including debit card details.
Customer Advice
Customers of these banks are advised to closely monitor their accounts for any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately. Consider requesting a new debit card, especially if your bank is offering replacements.
