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Latest Posts

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 $2.87 billion with 13 locations serving communities throughout Middlesex County. Northern Bank is a Member of the FDIC, and an Equal Housing Lender.

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