Summer Sun Safety August is Summer Sun Safety Month. Visit this site to learn about the dangers of tanning, sunscreen use, early detection, and more. Learn more… |
Give Away, Get Free Help keep good stuff out of landfills with The Freecycle Network. Check out what you can get for free now in your area. Learn more… |
Learn from Big Thinkers Explore the video library of more than 2,000 fascinating interviews with the world’s biggest thinkers on many topics. Learn more… |
||||||
Karim Tripodina
CUSTOMER ALERT
CUSTOMER ALERT
Stay Alert – Voice Cloning Scams Can Be Convincing
Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to clone people’s voices, and the crimes are leading to distressing phone calls for people around the country. All that’s needed is a brief clip of someone talking, which is often pulled from social media, and they can make an eerily similar clone of the voice — a deception so convincing that a mother thinks it’s her child.
Victims of voice-cloning scams are tricked into thinking they’re talking to a distraught relative who desperately needs money because they’ve been in a car accident, robbed, or kidnapped. Readily available technology enables cybercriminals to respond in real time during these calls by typing out sentences in their voice-cloning apps. Some go as far as to research personal information about the victim’s relative to make the call more believable.
Cybercriminals often ask for forms of payment that are difficult to trace or recover, such as gift cards, wire transfers, reloadable debit cards, and even cryptocurrency. As always, requests for these kinds of payments should raise a major red flag.
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of a voice-cloning scam, do the following:
Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to clone people’s voices, and the crimes are leading to distressing phone calls for people around the country. All that’s needed is a brief clip of someone talking, which is often pulled from social media, and they can make an eerily similar clone of the voice — a deception so convincing that a mother thinks it’s her child.
Victims of voice-cloning scams are tricked into thinking they’re talking to a distraught relative who desperately needs money because they’ve been in a car accident, robbed, or kidnapped. Readily available technology enables cybercriminals to respond in real time during these calls by typing out sentences in their voice-cloning apps. Some go as far as to research personal information about the victim’s relative to make the call more believable.
Cybercriminals often ask for forms of payment that are difficult to trace or recover, such as gift cards, wire transfers, reloadable debit cards, and even cryptocurrency. As always, requests for these kinds of payments should raise a major red flag.
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of a voice-cloning scam, do the following:
- Set a verbal codeword with kids, family members, or trusted close friends. Make sure it’s one only you and those closest to you know, and everyone uses it in messages when they ask for help.
- Always question the source. In addition to voice-cloning tools, cybercriminals have other tools that can spoof phone numbers so that they look legitimate. Even if it’s a call from a number you recognize, pause and think. Does that really sound like the person you think it is? To be safe, hang up and call the person directly.
MUST SEE VIDEOS
MUST SEE VIDEOS
Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) Grant Applications Available to SRT Communities
Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) Grant Applications Available to SRT Communities
Minot, N.D. – The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is currently accepting applications for its 2023 Community Grant Program. Awards range from $250 to $5,000.
FRS is a nonprofit organization that works with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association to sustain and enhance quality of life in America through an understanding of rural issues. The Grant Program is offered annually through NTCA members to support local efforts in building sustainable rural communities for residents.
Because SRT is a member of NTCA, rural communities within SRT’s service area can apply for the FRS Community Grant Program.
Interested applicants can download the application guide here.
Email completed applications to email@www.srt.com, or mail to:
SRT Communications
Attn: Corporate Communications
PO Box 2027
Minot, ND 58702
The deadline to submit applications is August 21, 2023.
SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Established in 1951, SRT employs nearly 190 people and serves roughly 8,000 square miles and 24,000 customers across north central North Dakota. SRT earned the distinction as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider in 2017. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security/surveillance systems for home and business. Learn more at www.SRT.com.
###
TUTORIAL/FAQ
TUTORIAL/FAQ
Short Tutorial/FAQ – What’s the Best Way to Explore YouTube?
Question: I feel like I’m not taking advantage of all that YouTube has to offer. What’s the best way to search for new things to watch?
Answer: Start with the Explore menu on YouTube’s Homepage. There you’ll find the destination pages for popular content categories, the Creator & Artist on the Rise, and trending videos.
Destination Pages
Simply click on any of the destination pages listed under Explore to check out the content:
New creators and artists emerge on YouTube every day, and it can be exciting to check them out. This section is on the Trending page.
Trending Videos
Trending shows you what’s happening on YouTube and in the world. It features videos and shorts that a wide range of viewers would find interesting. Some trends are predictable, like a new song from a popular artist or a new movie trailer. Others are surprising, like a viral video. When you click on Trending, you can choose from Now, Music, Gaming, or Movies.
Question: I feel like I’m not taking advantage of all that YouTube has to offer. What’s the best way to search for new things to watch?
Answer: Start with the Explore menu on YouTube’s Homepage. There you’ll find the destination pages for popular content categories, the Creator & Artist on the Rise, and trending videos.
Destination Pages
Simply click on any of the destination pages listed under Explore to check out the content:
- Gaming – Includes top live games
- News – Live news coverage and more
- Music – Trending songs and music for any mood
- Fashion & Beauty – What’s in style now
- Learning – Quick lessons on many subjects
- Sports – Highlights of players, games, and fans
- Podcasts – Popular episodes from top creators
- Shopping – Cool products and how to use them
New creators and artists emerge on YouTube every day, and it can be exciting to check them out. This section is on the Trending page.
Trending Videos
Trending shows you what’s happening on YouTube and in the world. It features videos and shorts that a wide range of viewers would find interesting. Some trends are predictable, like a new song from a popular artist or a new movie trailer. Others are surprising, like a viral video. When you click on Trending, you can choose from Now, Music, Gaming, or Movies.







