Spoofing schemes are on the rise and criminals are now pretending to be bank employees. As a reminder, Northern Bank will not call you and ask for personal information like PINs, passwords, social security numbers, or account numbers. Be wary of texts, calls, or emails that ask you to log into, or send money with, payment apps. If you receive a call matching this description, or alerts of suspicious activity on your account, please contact us immediately at 1-800-273-6908 Option "0".

Learn

Get the latest updates, tips and helpful insights from our experts.

Latest Posts

Four ways to keep your money safe

Northern Bank is closely following the recent news involving other banks. While we can’t speak for any other bank, we can say with confidence that Northern Bank has always been guided by common sense, avoiding pitfalls that are reported to be affecting others. 

Read More

Northern Bank named No. 1 SBA lender in two categories

Northern Bank, a full-service community and business bank, has been named by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the top lender in Massachusetts to small businesses in the accommodations industry for the second consecutive year. It also ranked first this year in SBA loans made to new businesses in the Bay State.

Read More

Northern Bank launches annual $5,000 college scholarship

Northern Bank, a full-service community and business bank, today announced that it would begin accepting applicants for its annual $5,000 college scholarship award. All graduating high school seniors, who have a parent or legal guardian employed as a police officer or firefighter in Middlesex County, are eligible to apply.

Read More

Business fraud is on the rise

Criminals are more active than ever when is comes to tricking small business owners into handing over cash or sensitive banking information. It’s estimated that five percent of business revenue is lost to fraud each year, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Learn more about how you can protect your business from fraud. 

Read More

SVP John Starling featured on YouTube

In this episode of Everything Real Estate hosted by Realtor Randy Herman, our Northern 1031 Exchange Senior Vice President, John Starling, takes a deep dive into the basics of 1031 Exchange. He discusses the advantages of using 1031 to defer taxes, the types of properties that qualify and ways to structure an exchange, including forward, reverse and improvement exchanges.

Read More

How to: Create “The Great Real Estate Tax Break”

Taxpayers can use both a 1031 Exchange AND the 121 primary tax exemption to create “The Great Real Estate Tax Break.” In an article written by John Starling, Northern 1031 Exchange Senior Vice President, he outlines detailed examples of properties that could combine these two tax codes for maximum savings.

Read More

SVP John Starling answers two burning 1031 Exchange questions

Can you sell your property to a related party and still qualify for a 1031 tax deferred exchange? Can you buy your replacement property from a related party and still qualify for an exchange? John Starling, Senior Vice President at Northern 1031 Exchange, answers these important questions in a 2018 edition of the New England Real Estate Journal

Read More

Follow these tips for safe and secure online shopping

With the holiday season approaching, most of us will be starting our online shopping. While it is super convenient, online shopping is also an opportunity for criminals to steal your personal information and money. The good news: By following some simple steps you can protect yourself from being a victim of fraud.

Before entering personal information on a website, make sure the site is legitimate and safe. A site that displays “https” is secure. 

Read More
Signing purchase agreement for new property

1031 Exchange in a "Hot" Real Estate Market

Exchanging in a “hot” real estate market is just as relevant today, as it was in 2017 when Northern 1031 Exchange Senior Vice President, John Starling, wrote this article for the New England Real Estate Journal. Selling a property in the current hot real estate market is the easy part. Buyers are plentiful and offers are high. However, securing a replacement property to buy in a hot market is where it gets tricky.

Read More
Ransomware/ cybersecurity

Ransomware - Know, Identify and Prevent

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which was established to promote the role that cybersecurity plays in our everyday lives. Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month was founded by the National Security Alliance and the Department of Homeland Security. Recently, ransomware attacks have hit our schools, small businesses, etc. and are a major focus of this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim's files and folders.

Read More
woman 1031

1031 Exchange and the Tax Reform Bill - What It Could Mean to Investors

Lately, the Tax Reform Bill and proposed cap on Like Kind Exchanges (LKEs) has been making headlines. This cap will impact real estate investors who utilize exchanges to grow and diversify their businesses. As Congress continues to debate the Tax Reform Bill, the benefits of 1031 exchange continue to mount. Like many other financial institutions, Northern Bank is working on understanding the Bill’s impact on investor clients and addressing their concerns.

Read More
Imposter Scam

How to Protect Yourself from Popular Imposter Scams

An imposter scam occurs when an individual, or a group of people, trick victims into sending money or providing confidential information. Your information is then used to steal your money or identity. Imposter scams are conducted using various methods. A phone call used to be the most popular but has since been replaced with emails and texts. Despite the sophistication of modern impersonation scam techniques, there are simple ways to protect yourself.

Read More
Mobile device security

How to Avoid a Mobile Device Security Breach

Mobile devices have become an integral part of everyday life, storing personal and important information, including pictures, emails, apps, and financial accounts. Almost anything that can be done on a computer can now be done from a mobile device. As mobile devices become even more robust, it becomes even more critical to maintain device security. Our mobile security tips, combined with staying vigilant, can help mitigate your risk of cyber attack.

Read More
Northern Bank James McGarry Scholarship winner

Littleton High Graduate Awarded Northern Bank McGarry Scholarship

In memory of Jim McGarry, the Northern Bank Charitable Foundation would like to extend a big congratulations to the 2021 James E. McGarry Jr. Scholarship recipient Luke Witherell of Littleton. The scholarship was established in 2014 to honor the late “Jim” McGarry of Woburn and his 50 years of service at Northern Bank, as well as his lifelong affinity for, and ongoing support of the police and fire departments in the community.

Read More

Identity Theft – What to Do Right Away!

What is identify theft and how does it occur? According to the FTC, identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal or financial information to make purchases, get benefits, file taxes, or commit fraud. It usually occurs due to a data breach where your personal information was stored somewhere and stolen. You can also become a victim if you provide your personal information to a malicious caller or if one of your personal passwords are compromised.

Read More

1031 Exchange: Why It Matters and How It Can Help You

Did you know that summer is the busiest season in real estate? Northern Bank's Michele Fitzpatrick was recently invited to present a CE credit class for Cotter Law and the WFG Real Estate School, where the hot real estate market was the focal point of discussion. She was joined by Attorney Elizabeth Cotter of Cotter Law and Lisa Stills from WFG National Title Insurance Company.

Read More

Gift Card Fraud- What You Need to Know

The simplest way to protect yourself from fraud is to be aware. Recently during the pandemic, there’s been an increase in scammers making fake calls asking consumers to make payments with gift cards. Gifts cards are not to be used to pay the IRS, social security, tech support, or a family member. 

Read More
Boy swimming in a pool

Taking the Plunge, A Swim School’s Story of Perseverance

After thirty years in the financial services consulting sector, Tobey Kelly decided it was time to take a step back and develop a plan for her “second act.” In June of 2018, Tobey left her job in the corporate world and by November 2018, her and Tim were the newest franchisees for Goldfish Swim School in Milford, MA.

Read More
Laundromat washer machines

Germ Fighting Soap Leads to New Possibilities

When the state of Massachusetts shut down, the large Boston office buildings emptied. With that mass exodus, Myeong Lowe, founder and owner of Utopia Cleaners, witnessed the need for dry cleaning services plummet overnight; No button-down shirts, suits, and handle with care apparel required for these now remote workers.

Read More
Northern Bank headquarters

News For Our Customers Regarding Coronavirus

During this challenging and uncertain time, our goal at Northern Bank is to provide the high level of service and support that we have delivered for the past 60 years. We know this current situation has not only impacted your everyday lives, it has also put an economic strain on many of our business and consumer customers.

Read More
Contemporary designed living room

A Time for Collaboration, Not Competition

Since the pandemic started, some projects have been put on hold, but fortunately, most of Sheila’s work has continued. Sheila Clarke, a Reading native and owner of M&H Interiors, shared that due to the stay at home order, people are now working from their kitchens or living rooms and those design projects are top of mind.

Read More
Construction site

Building Bridges for a Brighter Tomorrow

For over 14 years Joe Cataldo and his son Mike have run M.J. Cataldo, Inc., based in Littleton, MA. Their business specializes in site development, full-service landscaping and property maintenance. Hear how Team Cataldo, has adapted their day-to-day operations in response to the pandemic.

Read More

Staying Safe During Tax Season

Tax season may feel like it’s far away, but it will be here before you know it, increasing the risk of online tax scams. There have been reported cases by the Federal Trade commission where criminals use another person’s social security number and file the tax return to get the tax refund.

Read More

How To Spot A Fake Check

The FDIC published a consumer news article related to the risk of fake bank checks. Although a bank check is typically considered safer than a personal
check, there are certain scams that target potential victims.

Read More

1031 Exchange Related Party Questions

Let's explore two 1031 Exchange Related Party questions related to buying and selling properties. (1) Can you sell your property to a related party and still qualify for a 1031 tax deferred exchange? (2) Can you buy your replacement property from a related party and still qualify for a 1031?

Read More

About Northern Bank & Trust Company

Northern Bank is a full-service bank dedicated to providing practical, common sense financial solutions to help our customers live their lives and grow their businesses. From deposit products to loans to payment and collections services, we work hands-on with our entrepreneurial customers, both locally and across the country, to provide the financial support they need to realize their personal and business goals. Founded in 1960, Northern Bank has assets of $3.11 billion with 12 locations serving communities throughout Middlesex County. Northern Bank is a Member of the FDIC, and an Equal Housing Lender.

 

Ready to take the next step?
We're here to help!

Contact us now to learn more about how Northern Bank can help you realize your goals and dreams.