Scam & phishing checks
Learn the warning signs in suspicious emails, texts, links, and attachments, using real examples.
Local • Free • Education only
MERRICK CYBER
Cybersecurity starts with awareness.
Free, friendly education for small businesses and neighbors in Merrick and the South Shore.
What we do
We deliver security awareness training that equips local businesses and residents to identify social engineering, phishing, and AI-enabled attack vectors, and to strengthen their overall cyber hygiene and security posture.
Why we do it
Small businesses anchor our local economy and are frequent targets of threat actors. As a nonprofit community-service initiative, we work to reduce our community’s attack surface through accessible, vendor-neutral security education.
AI is changing hacking
Today’s scams can look and sound real.
AI-written phishing
Polished emails with perfect grammar and your real details.
Voice & video cloning
Fake calls that sound like a boss, coworker, vendor, or family member.
Urgent payment requests
Pressure to wire money or share logins before you can check.
How we can help
All services are free
AI scam awareness
See how voice cloning, deepfakes, and impersonation work, and how to verify who you’re really talking to.
30-minute security walkthrough
Focused on password security: strong passphrases, two-step login, updates, backups, and Wi-Fi basics.
Staff mini-sessions
A 15–20 minute team session with real examples and a take-home checklist.
More ways we can help
- “Spot the Fake” game: a fun, quick quiz for staff and groups. Try it online.
- Code words: help picking a family or team phrase that beats voice cloning.
- Community talks: for seniors, clubs, and library groups.
- Seasonal alerts: heads-ups on holiday and tax-season scams.
- Red-flag cards: a quick reference to keep by the register or computer.
The habit we teach
Pause. Verify. Then act.
One simple habit can stop a scam. Everything we teach builds on it.
1Pause
Pressure is a scammer’s favorite tool. Slow down before you click or pay.
2Verify
Contact them using a phone number or website you already know.
3Act
Only after it checks out. Never use the link or number in the message.
Would you spot it?
Everyday scams we walk through in every session. Spot the red flag, then make the safer move.
The package textTEXT
“Your package couldn’t be delivered. Tap to reschedule.”
Red flag: A link you didn’t expect, plus a rush.
Do this: Track it in the carrier’s own app or website.
The boss textTEXT
“In a meeting. Need gift cards ASAP. Don’t call me.”
Red flag: Gift cards, secrecy, and “don’t call.”
Do this: Call your boss on the number you already have.
The new bank detailsEMAIL
“Our bank changed. Send this payment to the new account.”
Red flag: Payment details changed by email.
Do this: Call the vendor at a known number before paying.
The account alertEMAIL
“Unusual sign-in detected. Verify now or lose access.”
Red flag: A login link with a threat attached.
Do this: Open the app or type the website in yourself.
The family emergency callPHONE CALL
“It’s me. I’m in trouble and need money fast. Don’t tell anyone.”
Red flag: Panic and secrecy. Voices can be AI-cloned.
Do this: Hang up and call back, or ask your family code word.
The scary pop-upPOP-UP
“VIRUS DETECTED! Call support now at 1-800-555-0199.”
Red flag: A scary alert that pushes you to call.
Do this: Close the browser. Never let a stranger remote in.
ALSO WATCH FORFake QR codes on parking meters“Oops, I overpaid you” refundsReused passwords
Five quick wins for today
Do these five things this week.
- Turn on two-step login for email and banking.
- Use a passphrase: three or four random words, different for every important account.
- Turn on auto-updates for phones, computers, and your Wi-Fi router.
- Never read a login code to anyone who calls or texts you. Real companies won’t ask.
- Back up your photos and important files.
How it works
Reach out
Email us to book a free session at your business, the library, or a community space.
Learn together
We walk you or your team through real examples in plain language, with time for questions.
Leave ready
Take home a one-page checklist and a simple plan for your next steps.
You stay in control.
We never save your passwordsNo account accessNo sales pitchAlways free
Education only. We don’t log in to your accounts or devices, and we don’t sell or recommend paid products. Not professional IT support or emergency incident response.
Let’s talk
Book a free session for your business, family, or group.
Tell us who it’s for, how many people, and a few times that work. We’ll reply to set it up.