BayCoast Bank takes the security of our customers extremely seriously. We want to assure you that our dedication to your financial safety includes not only top-notch banking services, but also vigilant monitoring and information sharing regarding fraudulent activities in our community.
Please be vigilant for a surge of text message scams targeting a group of BayCoast Bank customers with false notifications of Amazon charges. We advise blocking the sender and marking the message as spam. Additionally, we have initiated actions to shut down a fake website designed to imitate BayCoast Bank by the fraudsters involved.
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) are issuing a warning about a dangerous text scam known as smishing targeting our customers. These fraudulent messages claim to concern unpaid tolls—from places as far away as a Kansas road to local tolls—attempting to lure individuals into providing personal information or making payments through fake links. These messages may appear urgent, citing late fees or account issues, but they are scams.
- Do Not Click on links in unsolicited texts or emails claiming to be from RITBA, EZDriveMA, or any tolling agency.
- Verify account status directly through official websites: RITBA E-ZPass or EZDriveMA.
- Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/.
If you receive any suspicious messages, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at 508-678-7641 or Toll-Free at 888-806-2872 for verification.
We want to make aware of a recent data breach affecting Rhode Island’s RIBridges system. RIBridges, managed by Deloitte, supports programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Deloitte confirmed that there is a high likelihood that cybercriminals may have accessed sensitive information including names, addresses, social security numbers, and possibly banking details due to a recent cyber attack. Affected individuals will receive notification letters, and a dedicated call center has been set up to assist impacted residents. See below some guidance on customer interactions:
- Affected individuals will receive direct notification from the state or Deloitte. Encourage them to monitor for communications for these notifications.
- Recommend Protective Steps: Advise customers to:
- Regularly monitor their financial accounts and credit reports
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with one of the credit reporting agencies
- Reset passwords for sensitive accounts and set up multifactor authentication
- Direct inquiries to Rhode Island call center contact 833-918-6603
- More information/updates on the breach and recommendations provided by the state can be found here: https://admin.ri.gov/ribridges-alert
BayCoast Bank customers are receiving phone calls from fraudsters impersonating Bank employees. The scammers are using deceptive technology that makes it seem like those calls are coming from BayCoast Bank on their caller IDs.
The perpetrators then inform the customer that their account has been the target of fraud, and ask them to verify personal information, account information, debit card information, and/or online banking credentials. Fraudsters are then using that information to register for digital wallets and making large purchases.
Please note that BayCoast Bank will NEVER contact our customers and ask them to verify any specific account or personal information. The Bank will only perform a verification process if you, the customer, initiate the call with the Bank.
What should I do if I get a call? Customers are advised that if they do receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be from BayCoast Bank requesting personal information over the phone, hang up and notify us immediately by calling the Bank directly at 508-678-7641.
