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, […]
Archives for 2025
Don’t Fall for a Fake Fraud Alert this Holiday Season
Fraudsters prey on distraction—especially during busy times of year. We often see an increase in phishing scams that appear to come from trusted retailers or banks. If you receive a text message or call about a “suspicious charge” on your MVSB debit card and something doesn’t feel right, don’t respond or click any links. Instead, contact us directly at 603.279.7986 for assistance. These scams can be very convincing, often using familiar logos, urgent language, or spoofed phone numbers to trick you into sharing personal information. Remember, legitimate financial institutions will never ask for your full card number, PIN, or online […]
MVSB Celebrates President Marcus Weeks for 30 Years of Leadership, Service, and Community Impact
We are proud to celebrate President Marcus Weeks for 30 years of dedicated service. Born and raised in the Lakes Region, Marcus began his banking career in 1995 as a student teller at MVSB’s Center Harbor Office. Over the past three decades, he has grown alongside the Bank — gaining experience across nearly every area of the organization and developing a deep appreciation for the vital role mutual banks play in supporting the people, businesses, and communities they serve. After beginning as a student teller, he was promoted to Mortgage Loan Officer in 2003, transitioned to Business Development Officer in […]
MVSB Supports Gather’s Fundraiser to Fight Hunger on the Seacoast
Gather is leveraging tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority to renovate the nonprofit’s new 18,000 square-foot space in Portsmouth. The organization provides nutritious food and prepared meals to those experiencing hunger on the New Hampshire Seacoast up to Maine, and the new space will increase their service capacity with an expanded warehouse, pantry, dining space and more. MVSB was proud to purchase $25,000 in tax credits to support their efforts. “We are so excited to be in the new facility, which will allow us to increase the number of people we serve, as well as to offer […]
Mutual Benefits Unwraps Holiday Flash Sale
Mutual Benefits is kicking off the season with three days of flash sales exclusively for members – just in time for holiday gifting! Mark your calendars for the following limited-time deals:Monday, December 1 – 20% off $25 Amazon eGift cards* Wednesday, December 3 – 25% off $25 Walmart eGift cards* Friday, December 5 – 30% off a festive stocking stuffer bundle** from Dunkin’ Donuts, Sephora, and Target All flash sales begin at 12:00 PM EST and are available while supplies last. Not yet a member? Learn more about our exclusive savings and identity theft coverage program at mvsb.com/mutual-benefits or contact us to sign up! […]
Rising Check Fraud Spurs New Educational Efforts to Protect Consumers
Check fraud is on the rise across the country, with financial institutions reporting a surge in altered, stolen, and counterfeit checks. Criminals are increasingly targeting mailboxes and using sophisticated methods to wash or duplicate checks, leading to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses alike. The Federal Reserve has responded by launching a new online toolkit designed to help you recognize red flags, report suspicious activity, and safeguard your financial information. These educational resources emphasize the importance of vigilance and proactive prevention. Consumers are encouraged to monitor accounts regularly, use secure mail options, and adopt digital payment methods when possible. The toolkit also […]
A Tradition of Caring: MVSB’s Mitten Tree Drive Brings Warmth to Local Families
MVSB welcomes community members to take part in their annual Mitten Tree Drive. The Bank will be collecting donations of new, handmade or store-bought cold-weather accessories at all MVSB offices now through New Year’s Eve. A full list of locations and hours is available at mvsb.com/locations. All items donated will be distributed to local schools and nonprofits to help keep neighbors warm this winter. In addition, for every item donated, the Bank will contribute $2 to local organizations working to combat childhood food insecurity. “For more than four decades, the Mitten Tree Drive has brought our communities together in the […]
MVSB Spreads Joy to Celebrate Loon Preservation Committee’s 50th Anniversary
We are proud to support the Loon Preservation Committee in celebration of its 50th anniversary with a $5,000 donation to further the organization’s mission of protecting and restoring New Hampshire’s loon population. “For fifty years, the Loon Preservation Committee has been a leader in wildlife conservation and environmental education in New Hampshire,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. “Their work not only protects an important and beloved species, but also helps preserve the health of our lakes and ecosystems. We’re honored to support their efforts and celebrate this remarkable milestone with them.” “MVSB’s generous support helps us continue our mission to […]
Expanded Health Savings Account (HSA) Eligibility: What It Means and Why MVSB Is the Smart Choice
Recent legislative changes will make Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) accessible to millions more Americans. These changes, highlighted in in the ABA Banking Journal, will expand eligibility for HSAs to consumers with bronze and catastrophic Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans beginning January 1, 2026. What’s Changing with HSA Eligibility Currently, only individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can open and contribute to an HSA. The proposed expansion would allow more people—including those with other types of insurance coverage—to qualify. This means that individuals who were previously excluded, such as some Medicare participants or employees with flexible health coverage, could soon […]
Fighting AI Fraud: How Businesses Can Maintain Trust in the Digital Age
A recent article from Forbes explains how artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and new doors for sophisticated fraud schemes that threaten both consumers and businesses. Experts warn that AI-generated scams—ranging from deep fake videos to voice cloning and synthetic identities—are eroding public trust in digital interactions. The rise of these deceptive technologies has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate communications and fraudulent ones, creating a growing sense of uncertainty. To combat this crisis, organizations are being urged to adopt advanced verification systems, transparent communication practices, and stronger cybersecurity frameworks. Building trust now requires more than just secure technology—it […]
