COVID19

The FBI has published a Public Service Announcement concerning targeted exploitation of mobile banking apps due to the increase in the use of them as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. It’s estimated that more than 75% of Americans used mobile banking somehow in 2019. Since 2020 there has been a 50% increase and this percentage is likely to go higher and become a permanent fixture as the world adapts to a post COVID-19 environment. The convenience of technology also brings challenges. Fraudsters are aware of the increase in our reliance on these forms of technology and are focusing their […]

To our valued customers: Beginning on Monday, June 29th we will be re-opening all of our lobbies for regular foot traffic, with the exception of the Plymouth Hannaford branch. That branch will open at a later date and we will be sure to post that opening as well. We are so excited to invite you back in! If you have not yet visited a lobby since we opened them by appointment, please click here to read about all of the changes we’ve made to our buildings to ensure that you and our employees are protected as well as reasonably possible. […]

To ensure your health and safety, as well as that of our employees and other visitors, we have implemented a number of precautionary measure to promote social distancing and minimize the spread of germs:Some building entrances may be closed, but they will be clearly marked, directing you to the entrance to use. When you arrive, there will be a customer ambassador at the entry to greet you and to assist you with our new safety procedures. Please wear a mask during your visit. We will have some on hand if you forget yours. You may be asked to lower your […]

There have been reports of a variety of unemployment schemes involving Nigerian cybercriminal groups filing fraudulent unemployment claims in various states. These criminals have already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen funds. Unemployment claims have been filed for people who have lost their jobs and even those who haven’t. There have already been examples of this fraud in New Hampshire as well as other states across the country. With COVID-19 still impacting the world, hackers of all sorts are taking advantage of the pandemic and the opportunities it has presented. Tips to protect yourself from these scams include:Review […]

On June 17, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration posted a revised Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020, signed into law by President Trump on June 5, 2020.  In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application, applying to borrowers that:Are self-employed and have no employees; OR Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of […]

Sister banks, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), Merrimack County Savings Bank (the Merrimack) and Savings Bank of Walpole are the first three banks to contribute to the New Hampshire Nonprofit Response Fund with a combined tax credit purchase of $150,000. The NH Response Fund is providing nonprofit organizations with resources of up to $100,000 for working capital, equipment purchases and programming expenses. Sister banks, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), Merrimack County Savings Bank (the Merrimack) and Savings Bank of Walpole are the first three banks to contribute to the New Hampshire Nonprofit Response Fund with a combined tax credit purchase […]

On Friday, June 5th the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law, amending certain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness rules, for both existing and future borrowers. The most impactful changes in the new Act include the following:The spending period for approved PPP loan funding has been extended from 8 weeks to 24 weeks. This allows another 4 months of spending toward loan forgiveness. The minimum amount of funds that must be devoted to maintaining payroll has been reduced from 75% to 60%. This allows an increased percentage of specific non-payroll related items, including mortgage interest, rent and utilities. […]

To our valued customers: As a first step toward resuming our normal branch banking access, beginning on Monday, June 15th, we will be opening our lobbies for appointments only. To make an appointment to bank with us in person at one of our branch lobbies, please call:Alton – 603.875.8500 Ashland – 603.968.7103 Center Harbor – 603.253.7303 Gilford – 603.528.1500 Laconia – 603.527.6030 Meredith/Main Office – 603.279.7986 Meredith/Route 104 – 603.279.5274 Moultonborough – 603.476.2300 Plymouth/Main Street – 603.536.8228 Portsmouth – 603.334.9661 Wolfeboro – 603.569.6655 To ensure your health and safety as well as that of our employees and other visitors, we […]

The US Treasury has been sending stimulus payments in the form of prepaid debit cards to those without direct deposit information on file with the IRS. As supplying personal identifiable information is required to activate the cards, criminals have already started to take advantage of the situation by creating fraudulent cards with accompanying letters containing a false phone number to steal personal information. In addition, some recipients have also questioned the legitimacy of their real cards, and have destroyed or discarded them, which may lead to fees for replacement cards. Please use the included photo to verify your cards. The […]

There has been a sharp rise in unemployment fraud amid the current pandemic. Federal and state agencies are investigating substantial fraud schemes involving stolen personal identifying information to fraudulently claim unemployment benefits. Criminals are applying for unemployment with stolen personal information and requesting direct deposit for these financial benefits. Once the deposits are made to their accounts, the funds are either withdrawn, transferred to other accounts, or transferred overseas. Unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft are crimes that affect everyone, including businesses, employees and claimants. If you believe you have been affected by unemployment fraud, contact us and/or review materials at […]