Direct Connect - Monday, September 22, 2025

Don’t Fall for This Insta-Scam

Have you ever received an “urgent” email from Instagram warning that someone tried to log into your account? At first glance, it looks official and may even be a little concerning. The email usually says something like “We noticed a suspicious login attempt” and gives you an option to report this user by clicking a link. Seems legit, right? Not so fast! This is a sneaky phishing scam.

Scroll to the bottom to read more!

Chamber Updates

Local Experts Series

Wednesday, September 24, 9-10:30am

105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth

Join the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and host Players' Ring Theatre for our September Local Experts. In this interactive Local Experts, we’ll take you through every phase of bringing a production to life: how plays are chosen within a season, the audition process, the collaborative magic of set, lighting, costume, and props, and the leadership of the director and producer. And yes—we’ll also talk about the spreadsheets, budgets, timelines, and tough decisions that keep a theatre thriving.

Thank you to Ourea Solutions for sponsoring this program!

Morning Mixer

Wednesday, October 1, 8-9am

6 Washington Street, Dover

Join our host, Children's Museum of New Hampshire for the Chamber's Monthly Morning Mixer, sponsored by First Seacoast Bank! This event will take place in the Museum’s new exhibits—Little Farmers and the Play Loft—which opened this spring as part of the Museum’s largest capital project since moving to Dover.

This fast-paced, structured, speed networking program starts promptly at 8am, ensuring participants make it through all stations before the end of the hour. Participants arriving after 8am will be assigned a station if there is a station available; any participants unassigned to a station are welcome to stay until the end of the program for general networking.

For more information, contact Melissa at melissa@dovernh.org.

Business Open House

Thursday, October 16, 5-7pm

633 Central Avenue, Dover

Join First Seacoast Bank at the October Business Open House and a celebration of 135 years of business

Light refreshments will be provided. Bring plenty of business cards and enjoy an evening of celebrating while networking with friends and colleagues.

For more information, contact Melissa at melissa@dovernh.org.

Shape Your Community

Volunteers Needed for Apple Harvest Day!

Apple Harvest Day is Saturday, October 4

Consider Volunteering on Apple Harvest Day, Saturday, October 4th 2025, the 41st Year. We have a variety of opportunities throughout the day that are usually only 3 hour shifts.

We generally have 60,000 attendees, 300 vendors, two stages of entertainment, 500+ road race participants, amusements, two food courts, and more! In order to ensure a successful event, we'll need approximately 100 volunteers throughout the day. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

NEW this year: As appreciation for your time volunteering, several Vendors will extend discounts to any AHD Volunteers this year. You will receive a Volunteer T-Shirt that will identify you to them.

Citizens Leadership Academy

Thursday, October 9- Thursday, November 6

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and the City of Dover partner to offer local residents a closer look at their community through the Dover Citizens' Leadership Academy. This program will increase citizens' knowledge of the Dover community and introduce them to opportunities to become more involved as active leaders in the community. The Citizens Leadership Academy will feature discussions about local government and municipal operations and will introduce Dover citizens to opportunities to engage in shaping the future of our city by volunteering to join with others and participate as a member of one of many city boards, commissions and civic organizations.

Interested in sponsoring the program or a session? Contact Margaret at margaret@dovernh.org to discuss available sponsorship opportunities.

PEEK Newsletter

Next issue Thursday, September 25

If you have something to submit to the next edition of PEEK, send it to Emily at emily@dovernh.org by 5pm on Tuesday, September 23.

See the September 11 issue here.

Member Hot Deals

Member Job Board

Community Calendar

Thank you to our Direct Connect Sponsors!

Interested in advertising in Direct Connect?

Email Emily at emily@dovernh.org to learn more about sponsoring Direct Connect.

Thank you to our Direct Connect Underwriter!

Don’t Fall for This Insta-Scam

Here’s how it works.

When you click the link in the email, it doesn’t take you to a website. Instead, it automatically opens your email app and creates a brand-new message that’s pre-filled and ready to send. The email looks like it’s being sent to Instagram, but it’s really addressed to a cybercriminal.

If you tap or click send, the scammer now has an open line of communication with you. They’ll reply, posing as “Instagram Support,” and try to trick you into giving up sensitive details, such as your password or other personal information.

How to Spot (and Stop) This Scam

Here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent you from becoming a victim:

· Be skeptical of emails asking you to send a reply. Legitimate companies like Instagram won’t tell you to secure your account through an email conversation.

· Never share personal information over email. Your password, login details or private information should never be sent this way. Instagram will never ask for it.

· Pause before you panic. Scammers count on you acting quickly when you’re worried about your account. Take a deep breath and think before you click or tap.

Bottom line

If something feels off about an email, it probably is. When in doubt, go directly to the Instagram app or website and check your security alerts there. This way, you know you’re dealing with the real entity−not a cybercriminal in disguise.

Looking for more tips on how to protect your information? Visit BNH’s Privacy & Security page at BNH.Bank to get the information you need to keep scammers away.