Bad actors are getting good at making emails seem realistic and tricking unsuspecting people into clicking malicious links or opening infected documents. Often, phishing emails will have a company logo, and at first glance, seem quite realistic. However, there are some simple things to do when opening an email that can save you time and stress in the long run.

1. Check the sender address: hover over the from address to see if the email is who it says it is. A quick Google search will often provide you with what the legitimate email address should be.

2. Look for grammatical errors: legitimate companies are less likely to have grammatical errors as opposed to someone posing as a legitimate company.

3. Check the salutation: If you receive an email with a generic salutation such as “hello sir/madam,” or “hi dear,” it is likely to be a scam. Legitimate companies will have your name on file and are unlikely to address you as dear.

4. Check for urgency: If an email is flagged or the subject line includes words like “urgent, time-sensitive, immediate action required” it is likely not a legitimate email.  

5. Question the need for credentials or personal information: Rarely will a legitimate company or agency request personal information through an automated email. If you are requested to provide personal credentials, it is best to call a verified company phone number and confirm the request.

6. Watch for documents or links: If there are documents or links to open documents within an automated email, it is unlikely to be legitimate. Think critically about whether an attached document seems reasonable given the type of email.

7. Think critically: Some bad actors are trying so hard to fool unsuspecting people that they don’t think to ensure you utilize the service or company they are pretending to be. For example, you receive an email from someone claiming to be from Netflix and you panic and open the link. However, you didn’t even stop to remember you don’t have a Netflix account. Something as simple as knowing you do not use the service or business can save you from opening a bad link. However, if you do have an account with the company and you receive an email from, it is always best practice to give them a call and verify. Companies will always be happy to clear up any misconceptions and set your mind at ease.

“It’s so simple, our kids could do it,” Telli said. “You just plug in a code and arm away.”

On a typical day, the Johnsons can set their system and all but forget about it. But in the few instances when the sensors have been triggered, Telli and Darin have been grateful for the investment they made to protect their business.

“When your alarm goes off, you get that call within 30 seconds from SRT’s dispatch,” Telli said. “There’s never a lag. If we don’t answer, they will dispatch someone right away to check on it. We know that someone is going to be there, even if we can’t be.”

One Friday afternoon, when the office had closed for the weekend and the Johnsons had ventured to their lake home 45 minutes from Minot, a back entrance to the building was not closed entirely. At 5 a.m. the following morning, a sudden gust of wind swung the door wide open, setting off the sensor.

Telli and Darin received a notification that their system had been triggered, but rather than panic, they could rest assured that SRT had them covered.

“We didn’t have to drive all the way into town to close it ourselves,” Telli said. “We could look on our phone and watch the surveillance footage to make sure no one got in.”

For Telli and Darin, the peace of mind that comes with their surveillance and security system is about more than the equipment—it’s about the people. After spending so much of their lives working toward this moment, they were not going to entrust just any company with the task of protecting their business.

“Being from a small area, we like to support the local businesses that support us,” Telli said. “When we call SRT, we know the people that we are working with. We trust them, and they recognize us every time we call.”

Every day, patients trust Johnson Eyecare & Eyewear to help them see the world more clearly. And when the Johnsons want to see what is happening in their business, they trust SRT.

“When you’re a small, family-owned business, it’s nice to know that you have an extra set of eyes to watch over things,” Telli said.

Keep an eye on your business with SRT. Call 701-852-8888 or visit srt.com/protectwhatmatters to learn more and find a system that works for you!