bankHometown In The News

Identity Theft Awareness Week is January 27-31. This week, we’re covering all things Identity Theft and offering up ways to protect yourself. The most prevalent type of identity theft is credit card fraud, with nearly 400,000 incidents reported to the FTC in 2023 alone. Identity Theft can happen to anyone, but there are simple steps …

Identity Theft Awareness Week is January 27-31. This week, we’re covering all things Identity Theft and offering up ways to protect yourself. According to the FTC, people in their 30s are most likely to become victims of identity theft. However, the elderly are more likely to suffer large monetary losses. That said, Identity theft can …

Identity Theft Awareness Week is January 27-31. This week, we’re covering all things Identity Theft and offering up ways to protect yourself. What are the different types of identity theft? Unfortunately, identity theft comes in many forms, and fraudsters’ methods are always evolving. Below are some types of identity theft to look out for: Financial …

What is an imposter scam? When someone pretends to be a representative of a company or organization you trust to get you to send money or provide sensitive personal information, it’s called an imposter scam. Unfortunately, imposter scams come in all shapes and sizes. The more information fraudsters have on you, the more creative they …

Hometown Mortgage recently hired Francisco Valdés as community mortgage loan originator, based in bankHometown’s 1001 Millbury St., Worcester office. Hometown Mortgage is a division of bankESB, a Hometown Financial Group company that also includes bankHometown and Abington Bank. In this newly created role at Hometown Mortgage, Valdés will be a trusted financial advisor to qualifying low- …

FHLBank Boston recently recognized bankHometown for its commitment to affordable housing, awarding a $2,000 grant to Friendly House, Worcester, the nonprofit organization selected by bankHometown. bankHometown in turn matched the grant through its own charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, providing Friendly House with an additional $2,000, bringing total donations to $4,000. Through the FHLBank Boston’s Grants …

bankHometown and its charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, recently pledged $10,000 over three years to the Millbury Parents Club, supporting the club’s mission to fund educational activities and experiences for students in Millbury Public Schools. This brings the bank’s support over the last decade to more than $30,000. “Education is the key to a bright …

This marks the 20th year of the bank’s annual appeal, which invites bank customers, employees, and community members to donate money between November 1 and November 30 to help fight food insecurity. All donations up to $2,500 per customer will be matched dollar for dollar by bankHometown and the total raised will be divided among …

bankHometown invites customers and members of the community to three free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. No appointment is necessary. Saturday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Leominster office, 9 Sack Blvd. Saturday, October 28: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Webster office, 4 …

bankHometown recently hired Meenakshi Sharma as branch manager of its 131 Main St., Lancaster, office. Sharma, of Upton, has more than 17 years of banking experience, including her most recent roles as relationship banker at Webster Five, personal banking specialist at Santander Bank, and branch operations manager at the former Commerce Bank. She also is …