The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are calling people at random, claiming they’ve won a prize, sweepstakes, or lottery. These fraudsters often say you must pay a fee, provide bank details, or share personal information to claim your winnings. In reality, legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to receive a prize. Scammers use excitement and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly, often stealing money or sensitive data in the process. To protect yourself, hang up immediately if someone calls claiming you’ve won a prize you didn’t enter to win. Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to claim […]
Archives for 2026
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Mutual Benefits: Limited-Time Flash Sale
Mother’s Day is fast approaching—an ideal moment to connect with those you cherish. This year, Mutual Benefits members can make the day even brighter by sending an eGift card to a special loved one (or even treat yourself!), with a generous 25% discount from popular brands, Sephora®, Bath & Body Works®, Ulta Beauty®, Macy’s®, and Kohl’s®. Be sure to mark your calendars—this exclusive flash sale starts at 12:00 PM EST on Friday, May 1st, and it’s available only while supplies last. Purchase can me made online at mymutualbenefits.com or using the Mutual Benefits mobile app. Keep in mind that there […]
MVSB Invests in Dismas Home Expansion to Support Women’s Recovery in Rochester
MVSB has purchased $10,000 in tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (NHCDFA) to support the Dismas Home of NH. The tax credit funds will assist with remodeling a Rochester facility dedicated to serving justice-involved women with substance use disorder. The renovations will transform the property to include 14 bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, comfortable living and dining areas, clinical and executive office space, as well as outdoor gardening and recreational space. “The expansion of Dismas Home in Rochester is a critical step toward supporting women on their journey to recovery and reintegration,” said Cheryll Andrews, Executive Director […]
Scammers Exploit Global Conflicts to Steal Money and Information
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are exploiting news about the Iran conflict to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. These fraudsters may pose as charities, government agencies, or even relatives in distress, using emotional appeals or urgent messages to pressure victims into donating or providing sensitive data. Some scams also spread misinformation through social media or fake news sites to lure people into clicking malicious links. To stay safe, the FTC advises verifying any organization before donating or responding to requests for help. Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited messages and never […]
MVSB Supports Renewal of Playground at Meeting Place Apartments in Exeter
Residents at Meeting Place Apartments in Exeter will soon benefit from a refreshed and more accessible playground designed to better serve the children and families that call the community home. The project will upgrade the surface area and replace outdated equipment with new play structures and an ADA‑accessible picnic table, creating a safer and more welcoming outdoor space. MVSB is proud to contribute $8,000 to support the playground renewal. “A welcoming playground plays an important role in helping children stay active and giving families a place to gather,” said Kate Weidner, Corporate and Major Gifts Officer at Avesta Housing. “The […]
Watch Out for Debt Relief Scams
When facing financial stress, offers promising quick debt relief can be tempting—but many of these offers are scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), dishonest companies often claim they can eliminate or reduce debt for an upfront fee, only to disappear once payment is made. These scammers may use official-sounding names or pressure tactics to gain trust, leaving consumers in worse financial shape. Legitimate debt relief programs never guarantee results or demand payment before providing help. To protect yourself, be cautious of any company that asks for payment before settling debts or instructs you to stop communicating with your […]
Rick Alpers Joins MVSB Board of Directors
MVSB is proud to announce the appointment of Rick Alpers of Bristol, to its Board of Directors. Alpers was voted in at the Bank’s March Board Meeting and he previously served as a Corporator for New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp (NHMB), the share services organization supporting MVSB. Alpers serves as the Member Services Manager for NH Public Risk Management Exchange (Primex3), working closely with member organizations to support their coverage needs, leadership development, and organizational planning. He regularly partners with municipal, school and county officials on risk management strategies, team development, and long-term planning initiatives. Prior to joining Primex3, he served […]
Spring Into Adventure with Mutual Benefits
Mutual Benefits members: make your next adventure even more rewarding with an exclusive Viator offer—25% automatic cash back on over 300,000 experiences worldwide. From city tours and cultural excursions to outdoor adventures and local attractions, you can see more, do more, and experience more while turning every trip into a lasting memory. Book through mymutualbenefits.com to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Visit mymutualbenefits.com to take advantage of this limited time promotion. 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! *Additional cash back good on new bookings through the membership website […]
Beware of Calls About “Unclaimed Funds”
Scammers are contacting individuals claiming they are owed “unclaimed funds” or money from government agencies, but these calls are often fraudulent. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), legitimate agencies will never call, text, or email unexpectedly to request personal information or payment to release funds. These scams often pressure victims to act quickly or pay a fee to claim nonexistent money, putting personal and financial information at risk. If contacted about unclaimed funds, it’s important to stay calm and verify the legitimacy of the claim before taking any action. Never share Social Security numbers, bank details, or other sensitive […]
College and Career Planning Guidance from Granite Edvance
Get help finding a great-fit career! Finding the right career is not a perfect science. Ask almost anyone how they ended up in their current job, and you’ll probably hear plenty of plot twists. The good news is, Granite Edvance has a tool that can make the process a lot more scientific. They partner with a company called YouScience to provide free career assessments to students of all ages to help them identify what they’re good at and enjoy and learn about careers that fit their strengths. Read more. It’s never too late or too early to start saving for […]
