We're sure you’ve read and seen that fraud is on the rise. Scammers are getting smarter. They know tactics that get customers to put their money and information at risk. There are several scams that impersonate financial institutions. We ask that you keep vigilant.

If you receive an email, phone call or text asking for login credentials or entice you to click a link – don’t fall for it. If it is unexpected, urgent or insists on action on your part, it most likely is a scam. Here are top tips on how to stay safe.

•  
  Inspect the sender’s information to confirm that the message was generated from a legitimate source, but don’t click on the link or call the number on the text.
•  
  Remember, never click on links provided in unsolicited text messages or emails. Salem Five will never ask for a username, password or PIN number to verify fraud.
•  
  Do not respond to the text. Even writing STOP will let the scammer know your number is genuine, and they may sell your number to other scammers, making the problem worse.
•  
  If a call or text is received regarding possible fraud or unauthorized transfers, do not respond directly. Immediately hang up, and do not enter any verifying codes or information. Even if they have the right caller ID. Using "caller ID spoofing," scammers can make it look like they're calling from Salem Five's phone number.
•  
  Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from Salem Five. The best way to protect yourself is to say, "Let me call you right back," and then you call the official published bank number yourself.
•  
  Never answer any questions from a random call from anybody. There may be a call from someone legitimate, but more often than not, it's a scammer.
•  
  Do not post sensitive information online. The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cybercriminal for use in developing a potential attack or scam.
•  
  Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone or email – even to friends and family. If necessary, any of these discussions should happen in person.

With the holidays upon us, the end of the year is near. However, there is still time to do a few financial planning steps to set yourself up for success – now and for 2026.

1. Maximize Retirement Contributions

• Top off your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 contributions before year-end.
• Consider an IRA contribution (Traditional or Roth)—you technically have until the tax filing deadline, but planning ahead helps.
• If you’re close to an employer match threshold, make sure you don't leave free money behind.

2. Review Taxes & Look for Savings Opportunities

• Evaluate whether tax-loss harvesting makes sense (selling losing investments to offset gains).
• Check if you’re eligible for any credits or deductions before they expire (education, energy-efficient home upgrades, childcare, etc.).
• Adjust withholding now if you expect a big refund or will owe a large amount.

• Look at where your money actually went this year.
• Identify categories that consistently go over budget and reset your numbers for next year.
• Consider utilizing the ‘Manage Money’ feature within the Salem Five mobile app to set goals, budgets and track spending.
• Cancel or renegotiate unused subscriptions, recurring bills, or services.