UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 30, 2012

NEW CENTURY BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (910) 892-7080

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

On July 30, 2012, New Century Bancorp, Inc. (the “Registrant”) announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012. A copy of the Registrant’s July 30, 2012 press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

On August 2, 2012, the Registrant announced amended financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 reflecting an increase to net income for the quarter. A copy of the Registrant’s August 2, 2012 press release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

The information contained in Item 2.02 of this Current Report shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

This Current Report on Form 8-K (including information included or incorporated by reference herein) may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, (i) statements regarding certain of Registrant’s goals and expectations with respect to earnings, income per share, revenue, expenses and the growth rate in such items, as well as other measures of economic performance, including statements relating to estimates of credit quality trends, and (ii) statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current belief and expectations of Registrant’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond Registrant’s control).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 3, 2012

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