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Did you know romance scams are the costliest type of scam for people 60 and older? That’s why the FTC is spreading the word about this growing threat, which can leave victims with a broken heart and an empty bank account.
Beyond the job losses and economic fallout of the pandemic, the loneliness and isolation brought on by our virtual lives have real consequences. This might explain why romance scams reached a record $304 million in losses reported to the FTC in 2020 — up about 50% from 2019. The older the victim, the heavier the financial toll, according to the FTC. The median individual loss for people aged 70 and over was $10,000, compared to $2,600 for all victims. Romance scams can start out in a variety of ways, including scammers creating fake (but very appealing) profiles on dating apps or social media. Often the potential mate claims to live in another part of the country or to be abroad for a military deployment. But after weeks or months of conversations, romance scams always end the same way, with a made-up story about an emergency and a request to send money. Even if this scam might not affect you, it could be happening to someone you know. Keep these things in mind:
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News
Dakota Square Mall and SRT Continue Wi-Fi Partnership
Dakota Square Mall and SRT Continue Wi-Fi Partnership
SRT has long recognized the value of access to the Internet, and it became even more evident in 2020 due to the pandemic. While many were forced to turn to online shopping, the importance of shopping local is more important than ever. Therefore, SRT found it to be an easy match when Dakota Square Mall asked to continue a Wi-Fi partnership. Not only are many local businesses housed in this anchor institution, but added Wi-Fi to the mall experience was a win-win.
As part of the Wi-Fi partnership, mall goers can access Gig Internet for free in the main corridors at the mall. While the system was not designed to provide service into each retail store, the Wi-Fi signal spans throughout the facility.
Additionally, SRT is pulling fiber optic cable throughout the mall so each store has access to their own secure internet. The value of a retail store having their own secure, dedicated internet protects that company, but also adds to consumer safety.
SRT is proud to provide free community Wi-Fi at Dakota Square Mall and throughout our service area including places such as the MAYSA Arena, Mouse River Park, and the State Fair Center.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips like this and stay up to date on all things SRT.
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MUST SEE VIDEOS
MUST SEE VIDEOS
Community Project in Sherwood Receives $2,000 Grant Donation from SRT and RDFC
Community Project in Sherwood Receives $2,000 Grant Donation from SRT and RDFC
MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications, Inc. is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in SRT’s service area are eligible to apply for a grant for community-based projects. RDFC makes these funds available in order for more people to become aware of their larger loan program that funds community-based projects and non-profit entities with low interest loans.
“This program has allowed SRT to fund additional projects in our communities and create an even larger impact with our giving. RDFC is a valuable program, and we are happy to match funds for these worthy projects,” said Steve Lysne, SRT CEO/General Manager.
RDFC recently awarded a $1,000 grant to the City of Sherwood and SRT matched those funds with an additional $1,000 donation. The Main Street Revival project in Sherwood will enhance the community by restoring the original town jail which was built in the 1920s. The building is deteriorating in its current location and will be moved to Main Street and restored to its original character. The building is a part of the city’s history and will be used for community activities.
For more information on the Rural Development Corporation Grant Program, and SRT’s partnership, visit srt.com/srtcares under Community Development.
SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT services include Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services and has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs more than 200 people, and serves over 48,000 customers.
The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a nonprofit corporation that encourages economic diversification and community vitality through the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. Funding for RDFC programs comes from fee income generated by Dakotas America LLC, a community development entity providing New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed census tracks across the United States. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives provides support to RDFC.
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