COVID19

In our continuing efforts to provide a safe environment for both our employees and our customers in responding to the COVID19 pandemic, we have made the decision to temporarily reduce the hours of operation, of our Portsmouth branch office. We will be operating this week through Friday on our current schedule for drive-up hours. Beginning Saturday, April 11th the Portsmouth office drive-up will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00am through 5:30pm. We look forward to moving back to our six day a week schedule as the pandemic subsides. Portsmouth customers can still reach a live staff member […]

Our Risk Management Department have received reports of an increase in malicious attacks on video conferencing software such Zoom and WebEx. The use of video conferencing has increased significantly in recent weeks, as the COVID-19 health crisis has forced many of us to work from home. The convenience of video-conferencing has proven invaluable at this time, as it allows for face-to-face communication, while following social distancing best practices. Despite its conveniences, hackers have found ways to cause disruptions. Known as “Zoom-bombing”, hackers have been able to infiltrate some Zoom meetings to upset participants by shouting profanity and/or racial slurs, or […]

Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Unfortunately, this has already generated criminal activity. Please remember:The U.S. government has indicated that they will not call or email any American citizen to gather your social security number, bank information or debit card information. Requests for upfront money, information or favors in order to increase, confirm or speed up your stimulus check are likely fraudulent. To learn more details about the CARES Act and the related stimulus plans, visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know In addition to notifying local law enforcement, please contact us if you are concerned that you may have fallen victim to a COVID-19 […]

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has outlined financial relief options for mortgage borrowers who may be facing hardship as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The CFPB advises that borrowers who are able to make their mortgage payments should continue to do so. For borrowers unable able to make regular mortgage payments, the CFPB recommends they contact their service provider directly to discuss payment options, as some mortgage loans may not be federally-supported. The CFPB notes that several protections are available to borrowers under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act as well as other recent regulatory […]

The cybersecurity company Phishlabs has alerted us to a COVID19 related fake insurance scam. Criminals are sending emails that claim to be from an insurance company and indicate the recent purchase of COVID19 related insurance coverage. The email recipient is prompted to click on a link to access a billing statement. That link brings the victim to a fake login screen intended to steal their personal information or login information and/or trick them into downloading viruses and malware. Whenever you receive an unexpected email, such as one for COVID19 coverage you did not purchase, do not click on any of […]

Update, Friday April 24th:  The Small Business Administration has announced that it will begin accepting applications for the second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans on Monday, April 27 at 10:30am.  We plan to begin accepting applications again at that time.  Please watch this website and your email for additional information on Monday morning. Thank you for your business.  We are all in this together. On April 16th, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been fully exhausted and they are no longer accepting applications. While there is a possibility that Congress […]

Fraudsters are finding ways to take advantage of fears related to the coronavirus. To help you protect yourself, the American Bankers Association (ABA) has gathered and shared the following comprehensive list of the most common scams in today’s environment. Phishing and supply scams. Scammers are impersonating health organizations and businesses to collect personal and financial information or to sell fake test kits, supplies, vaccines or cures for COVID-19. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails, texts, phone calls and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens […]

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has shared the following information and resources that may help you better manage your finances during the pandemic. If you are facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, read on for some resources that could protect you and manage your finances. Protect yourself financially – as Americans prepare for the possible spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, there are ways to protect yourself financially. Read here for more information. Consumer complaints – the CFPB has built a robust and technologically forward complaint process that handles approximately 30,000 complaints every month. Even in […]

The new health environment we are currently navigating has led many of us to work from home or remotely. As a result, many companies have made provisions for connections through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN). Though VPN is a wonderful asset that allows us to work remotely, it also comes with increased levels of risk and new threats. To combat the efforts of cyber criminals, our Risk Management Department would like to share some safety measures you can employ now as a mobile device user:Avoid loading unauthorized or pirated software (including apps) or illegal content onto your phone, […]