Free Community Cyber Fraud Protection Event

“Your First Line of Defense” – Learn to Protect Yourself from Digital Scams

FLEETWOOD, PA – Local residents are invited to attend a free educational event focused on protecting themselves and their families and friends from increasingly sophisticated text, email, and phishing scams. The community workshop, titled “Your First Line of Defense,” will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Christ Mertz Lutheran Church.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Christ Mertz Lutheran Church
16 Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood, PA 19522
Cost: Free and open to the public
Information: 610-682-7664

Featured Speaker: David Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office of Public Engagement will present essential strategies for recognizing and avoiding common digital scams that target individuals and families.

With cyber fraud affecting millions of Americans annually, this timely presentation will cover:

• How to identify suspicious text messages and emails
• Common phishing tactics used by scammers
• Practical steps to protect personal and financial information
• What to do if you’ve been targeted or victimized

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods,” said The Rev. Martin A. Milne; Pastor, Christ Mertz Lutheran Church. “Recently, scammers recently used my name and texted church members trying to defraud them. Thankfully, someone contacted me quickly and I was able to make the congregation aware of the scam. We need to learn ways to be proactive and appropriately reactive.”

The presentation is designed for all ages and technical skill levels. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions about suspicious communications they may have received.

Local churches, civic organizations, and community groups are encouraged to share this information with their members and networks.

About the Presenter: David Shallcross has protected communities for over 30 years, serving as a Deputy Sheriff, Community Resource Officer, and Federal Law Enforcement Liaison before joining the PA Attorney General’s Office in 2008. As Senior Community Liaison and Coordinator of the Elder Abuse Unit, he has conducted hundreds of community seminars on fraud prevention and public safety.

For more information about this free community event, contact Christ Mertz Lutheran Church at 610-682-7664.

Media Contact:
Martin A. Milne
Pastor
610-682-7664
christ@christmertz.org