Home for All is a Seacoast-based nonprofit that envisions communities where everyone has access to safe, stable and affordable housing. The organization was recently awarded capacity-building tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to expand its capacity and advance coordinated housing solutions across the Seacoast amid growing challenges. MVSB purchased $10,000 to support their efforts. “The continued support from local partners like MVSB helps us focus on the critical work of addressing housing challenges in the Seacoast,” said Kara Anne Rodenhizer, Home for All Coalition Executive Director. “With these resources, we can strengthen our team, grow […]
Archives for 2025
FTC Alerts Consumers to Virtual Casting Call Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about a new wave of scams targeting aspiring actors and models through fake virtual casting calls. According to the alert, scammers are posing as legitimate talent scouts or production companies, promising participants auditions or roles in exchange for personal information or upfront fees. These fraudsters often use professional-looking websites, social media ads, and fake contracts to appear credible, luring victims with the promise of fame and quick opportunities. The FTC advises consumers to be cautious of any casting call that asks for payment, personal financial details, or immediate commitments. Legitimate casting agencies typically […]
FTC Warns of Scammers Impersonating Chief Privacy Officer
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about scammers posing as John Krebs, the agency’s Chief Privacy Officer, in an attempt to deceive consumers. According to the alert, fraudsters are contacting individuals through phone calls, emails, and messages, falsely claiming to represent the FTC. Their goal is to trick people into sharing personal information, paying fake fines, or providing financial details under the guise of official government business. The FTC emphasizes that its officials, including John Krebs, will never contact consumers to demand money, threaten arrest, or request sensitive information. The agency advises anyone who receives such communications to […]
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Fundraises to Expand Access to Specialized Care for Families
The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover is leveraging awarded tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority to support the construction of a new operating room in its Women and Children’s Center. MVSB is proud to purchase $10,000 in tax credits to support the organization. “The need for specialized care for women and children in our community continues to grow, and this new operating room will allow us to better meet that demand,” said Judy Pinkham, Manager of Corporate Giving and Special Events at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. “We are deeply grateful for MVSB’s support, which helps us expand access to […]
MVSB Fund Invests in Community with Over $116,000 in Local Grants
The MVSB Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has awarded $116,539 in grants to 53 local nonprofit organizations. Of this total, $100,539 was granted to 37 local agencies and $16,000 was distributed to 16 local food pantries to help combat food insecurity in the Bank’s service area. These grants are part of MVSB’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen the communities where its customers and employees live and work. Since 1997, the MVSB Fund has awarded annual grant-based contributions to nonprofit organizations that enrich and improve the quality of lives of residents in the Bank’s service areas. In that […]
Understanding Insider Threats: A Growing Concern for Businesses
A recent article from Forbes Technology Council highlights the increasing risk of insider threats within organizations, emphasizing that dangers often come from trusted individuals – not just external hackers. The piece identifies three main types of insider threats: malicious insiders who intentionally cause harm, negligent insiders who inadvertently expose data, and compromised insiders whose credentials are stolen by cybercriminals. Each type poses unique challenges, requiring companies to adopt proactive strategies to safeguard sensitive information. The Forbes article stresses that insider threats are particularly dangerous because they exploit legitimate access to systems and data. Unlike external attacks, these threats can be harder to detect and […]
Charlie Dowd to Retire from MVSB After 24-Year Career in Banking
Charlie Dowd will retire from MVSB at the end of this year, concluding a distinguished 24-year career in the banking industry. Charlie joined MVSB in 2021 as Vice President, Residential Mortgage Sales NMLS# 737415, and has since played a key role in expanding the Bank’s mortgage lending team and strengthening its reputation as a top choice for homebuyers across New Hampshire. Under Charlie’s leadership, MVSB’s mortgage team has experienced remarkable growth, supported by a dedicated group of Mortgage Loan Officers who share his commitment for exceptional service, efficient technology and strong community relationships. This philosophy has helped MVSB earn consistent […]
10 Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud in Today’s Digital World
As financial scams grow more advanced, safeguarding personal and business information is essential. From phishing emails to identity theft and AI-generated schemes, fraudsters are constantly developing new tactics. Staying alert and following proven security practices can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Use strong, unique passwords for every account and update them regularly. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for hackers to access multiple accounts once one is compromised. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols helps strengthen protection against brute-force attacks. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. MFA requires a second form of […]
MVSB Invests in PMAC’s Vision to Restore and Revitalize Portsmouth South Meeting House
The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) is a longtime staple in the Seacoast community, providing high-quality music and visual arts education programs. PMAC is fundraising to renovate the historic South Meeting House in Portsmouth as a second facility dedicated to visual arts. MVSB is proud to purchase $5,000 in tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority to support their efforts. “We are so thrilled to be embarking on this project, which will grow our visual arts community programs, enabling us to welcome more participants and expand our already impressive teaching artist roster,” said Russ Grazier, PMAC CEO. […]
Financial Fraud on the Rise: 2025 Data Reveals Growing Threats to Consumers and Businesses
New data from Alloy’s 2025 Financial Fraud Report reveals a sharp increase in financial fraud, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention measures. The report highlights that identity theft, account takeovers, and synthetic identity fraud have surged as criminals leverage advanced technology and stolen data to exploit financial systems. With digital transactions at an all-time high, both consumers and businesses face heightened risks of falling victim to sophisticated scams. The findings also show that fraudsters are increasingly using automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to bypass traditional security checks. While real-time fraud monitoring and enhanced authentication remain critical tools to combatting fraud, […]
