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CUSTOMER ALERT

CUSTOMER ALERT

Stay Alert – Tech Support Scams Remain Rampant

Watch Out For Tech Support Scams Scams Tech support scams use scare tactics to trick you into technical support services to supposedly fix device or software problems. At best, the scammers are trying to get you to pay them to fix a nonexistent problem. At worst, they’re attempting to gain remote access to your computer under the guise of fixing the problem, so they can instead install malware, ransomware, or other unwanted programs to steal your personal information.

Here’s what to look for and how to respond:
  • Phone calls – They may call and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company such as Microsoft, saying they’ve found a problem with your computer. They typically ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test. The next step is for them to say you need to pay them to fix the issue. If you get a phone call you didn’t expect from someone who says there’s a problem with your computer, hang up.

  • Pop-up warnings – A pop-up window may appear on your computer screen that looks like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software. It warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help. If you see this kind of pop-up window, don’t call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call.

  • Online ads and listings in search results pages – Tech support scammers try to get their websites to show up in online search results for tech support. Or they might run their own ads online. The scammers are hoping you’ll call the phone number to get help. Don’t do it!
If your computer has been invaded by scammers, you may want to hire a professional to find and remove any malicious programs they’ve installed. Take your computer to a local brick-and-mortar repair shop run by someone you trust.

TUTORIAL/FAQ

TUTORIAL/FAQ

Short Tutorial/FAQ – Should I Always Accept Cookies On Websites?


downloading cookies
Question: I tend to automatically accept cookies when I visit a website without reading the fine print. Is that OK?

Answer: Let’s start with the basics. A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store. Some cookies are managed directly by the owner of a website, and others are managed by third parties such as social media platforms or ad networks.

Cookies store information about your visit to the website — such as your username, preferred language, or the products you viewed. They can also store your login information to prevent you from having to re-enter it every time you visit. Cookies are used to improve your browsing experience and are generally harmless. Whether you should always accept browser cookies or not really comes down to your preferences about these factors:
  • Convenience – Accepting cookies may make it easier and more convenient to use websites and online services
  • Personalization – Cookies can be used to personalize your online experience and send you tailored recommendations.
  • Privacy – Your online activities can be tracked with cookies. If that’s a concern, you may choose to reject or limit the use of cookies.
  • Security – Cookies can also be used for security purposes, such as preventing fraudulent activities and protecting your account, so accepting cookies from trusted sources can be a good thing.
  • Control – Most modern browsers provide options to control cookie settings. You can choose to accept all cookies, block all cookies, or selectively accept cookies from specific websites.
To sum up: Saying yes to these types of cookies (as well as the chocolate chip ones) is usually OK.

EMAIL SCAM ALERT

EMAIL SCAM ALERT

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Some SRT customers have received an email asking for them to update their eBill account information and accept new terms or conditions, or else their service will be shut off.
 
Unfortunately, this is called a phishing scam, aimed at trying to encourage you to click a link to a fraudulent website. If you receive messages like this, we encourage you to delete them. A few ways you can spot a phishing email include punctuation or grammar errors, unusual urgency, and a strange email address as the sender.
 
If you received an email like the example below, delete it without opening or clicking any links in the email. If you ever have questions about a strange or unexpected email from SRT, please contact us at 701-858-1200 to verify its contents.
email scam example

CUSTOMER ALERT

CUSTOMER ALERT

Customer Alert – Is It A Long Lost Friend Or A Scammer?

long lost friend or scam The FTC recently issued a consumer alert about one of the latest ways scammers are trying to get your attention — by texting to ask when you’re free to catch up over a cup of coffee. Scammers are hoping you’ll think the text is from a long lost friend and reply with questions, or tell the sender they have the wrong number.

Either way, your response lets the scammer know your phone number works, which could lead to more calls and texts. They might apologize for the wrong number, then pitch you a scam — maybe by asking if you’re interested in learning about a secret way to make big money using cryptocurrency.

According to the FTC, here’s how to handle these situations:
  • Don’t respond to unexpected text messages like this from unknown phone numbers. Some messages from unknown numbers might be legit, but this isn’t your doctor’s office confirming an upcoming appointment. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
  • Don’t click on links in unexpected text messages. They might steal your information or install malware on your device. Scammers want you to react quickly to unexpected text messages, but it’s best to stop and check it out. Or just delete it.
If you spot a scam, you can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

TUTORIAL/FAQ

TUTORIAL/FAQ

Short Tutorial/FAQ – What Are Tips for Searching on Google?

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Question: I want to step up my game with online searches. How can I search on Google more efficiently?

Answer: We went straight to the source, Google, for tips and tricks to more easily find information on Google.

Tip 1: Start with the basics.
No matter what you’re looking for, start with a simple search like where’s the closest airport. You can always add a few descriptive words if necessary. If you’re looking for a place or product in a specific location, add the location. For example, bakery seattle.

Tip 2: Search using your voice.
Tired of typing? To search with your voice, tap the Microphone icon. Learn how to search with your voice.

Tip 3: Choose words carefully.
When you decide what words to put in the search box, try words that are likely to appear on the site you’re looking for. For example, instead of saying my head hurts, say headache, because that’s the word a medical site uses.

Tip 4: Don’t worry about the little things.
  • Spelling: Google’s spell checker automatically uses the most common spelling of a given word, whether or not you spell it correctly.
  • Capitalization: A search for New York Times is the same as a search for new york times.
Tip 5: Find quick answers.
For many searches, Google will do the work for you and show an answer to your question in the search results. Some features, like information about sports teams, aren’t available in all regions.
  • Weather: Search weather to see the weather in your location or add a city name, like weather seattle, to find weather for a certain place.
  • Dictionary: Put define in front of any word to see its definition.
  • Unit conversions: Enter any conversion, like 3 dollars in euros.
  • Sports: Search for the name of your team to see a schedule, game scores, and more.
  • Quick facts: Search for the name of a celebrity, location, movie, or song to find related information.
Visit the Google Help Center for more advanced search instructions including how to do a reverse image search or filter your search results.