Aviella Abramchuk

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. Did you know, fraud and identity theft cases have nearly tripled over the last decade? Identity thieves are crafty and always coming up with new ways to scam unsuspecting victims. It’s important to …

Robert J. Morton, president and CEO of bankHometown, announced that the bank’s 21st annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive raised $67,500 for local food pantries. This brings the total amount raised since the program’s inception to $482,900. The annual appeal is part of bankHometown’s charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, which reflects the bank’s commitment …

Our identities are more than just our names. They represent who we are, where we live, and the accounts that power our financial lives. Unfortunately, they have become a prime target for the fastest-growing crime in America: identity theft. Today marks the start of Identity Theft Awareness Week, which sheds light on this invasive type …

Imagine this scenario: You receive a phone call that, according to your caller ID, appears to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Anxious, you answer the call and are told by a representative that there’s a problem with your taxes and that you must pay immediately to avoid costly penalties or even arrest or deportation. …

Hometown Wealth Management is pleased to welcome Frank Randall as a financial advisor, offering wealth management and investment services through LPL Financial, located at bankHometown’s 109 Elm St., Millbury, office. Frank, of North Grafton, has nearly two decades of experience providing financial advisory services, investment services, and retirement planning through financial services companies like LPL …

bankHometown is honored to announce a $5,000 donation to the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee, supporting the creation of an Afghanistan Memorial in Putnam. This contribution underscores bankHometown’s commitment to honoring veterans and recognizing the sacrifices made by those who served in Afghanistan, ensuring their legacy lives on within the community. The Afghanistan Memorial is a …

bankHometown recently promoted Laurie Zaleski to senior assistant branch manager of its 569 Southbridge St., Auburn office. Zaleski, of Charlton, was previously assistant branch manager in Auburn. She has nearly 35 years of banking experience and has earned certificates from numerous banking courses and seminars.

bankHometown recently promoted Ross Potvin to commercial credit officer, based in its 109 Elm St., Millbury office. Potvin, of Leominster, has nearly eight years of banking experience. He joined bankHometown in 2023 as a commercial credit analyst III, and prior to that, he spent seven years at Rollstone Bank and Trust as a commercial credit …

The holiday season is a joyous time. Unfortunately, with increased gift-giving and charitable donations come prime opportunities for scammers to defraud you. Here are some common scams and how to protect yourself. Gift Card Scams It’s a popular time for purchasing gift cards—and scammers know it. They also know that gift cards don’t offer the …