 |
Do you sell items online using Craigslist or another online marketplace? Watch out for a new scam that attempts to use your phone number from the ad to scam others.
Here’s how it works: The scammer contacts you about the item for sale and says something like, “There are lots of scammers on Craigslist these days. I need to make sure you’re really who you say you are, so I just sent you a six-digit verification code on your phone. Text me the code to prove you’re a real person.” If you send the code back, the scammer uses the code (which was actually generated by Google) and your phone number to set up a new Google Voice account. (They need a valid, working phone number to do this.) They’ll then use this new account that’s linked to your phone number to call or text future scam victims. This is typically not a scam that will cost you money or cause direct harm. The scammers’ usual goal is to merely use your phone number as a “verification number” to get additional Google Voice numbers, use it for other scams, get rid of those numbers once they’re used to scam victims, then repeat the scam over and over. To prevent being involved in this scam, do not enter any six-digit codes on calls or texts from Google unless you are the one who initiated the process and requested your number to be used on your Google Voice account. If you’ve already become a victim of the Google Voice Code Verification Scam, you need to take back your personal number. The process includes several steps, which can be found here. |
|
||
News
SITES OF THE MONTH
SITES OF THE MONTH
|
Internal Revenue Service This will be a tax season like no other. Get the latest on coronavirus tax relief including changes to deadlines. Learn more… |
|
Houseplant411 If you don’t have a green thumb, this site will teach you how to correctly choose, grow, and care for indoor plants. Learn more… |
|
NerdWallet Get the most from your money with expert guides and tips, rate comparisons, smart calculators, and more. Learn more… |
|
||
MUST SEE VIDEOS
MUST SEE VIDEOS
SRT Employees Save Lives Through Consistent Blood Donations
SRT Employees Save Lives Through Consistent Blood Donations
SRT employees are actively involved in improving the well-being of our communities on a daily basis. Early this year they continued the 18 year tradition of SRT blood drives with 33 employees participating.
The need for blood donations is especially high in the winter months when people are busy with the holiday season and staying home more in cold winter months. By hosting a blood drive at the SRT office, the company hopes to make it convenient for employees and their families and to encourage new blood donors.
SRT Blood Drive Longevity
Vitalant’s records of SRT blood drives date back to 2004, that is 18 years of employees donating blood for the community! Vitalant Donor Recruiter, Teresa Johnson, stated that SRT employees have “donated 835 units, which is about 104.375 gallons of blood” over the years. One blood donation unit can save up to three lives. “The total amount donated from SRT blood drives is the equivalent of saving 2,505 lives, or alternatively 80,995 premature babies being saved,” Johnson explained.
How It Works
Blood drives are critical to ensure enough blood is readily available when a patient in our area needs immediate help. Each event, donation goals are set based on a projection of the amount of blood that will be needed. Johnson adds, “SRT is a blood drive I don’t have to worry about meeting goals. The employees understand the importance of the blood drive and what it means to our community.” At SRT’s February blood drive, 33 units of blood were donated, surpassing the goal of 29 units.
It’s About The Experience
For a few employees, this blood drive was their first experience, but there were also 16 employees who have donated for five or more years. Six of those employees have donated blood for 20 years or more!
There are many reasons why someone chooses to donate blood. Vitalant Donor Recruiter Teresa Johnson shared “Donating blood is the ultimate random act of kindness. It doesn’t cost anything, and you are saving a life.”
Several employees began donating after family members received blood transfusions and it was eye-opening to see the great need for blood donations. One employee, Sheila D., shared that her first blood drive experience was at SRT 25 years ago and she continues to donate consistently. “I have the ideal blood type for donating,” Sheila said. “It’s a small contribution I can make to help save a life.” Paul I., who retired from SRT in 2018, has donated for over 40 years and keeps coming back to the SRT blood drive to help because he feels it is the right thing to do.
We thank all the employees who donated this year and appreciate their dedication to making this an even better place to live and work.
Cassidy Hjelmstad Promoted to Chief Marketing Officer
Cassidy Hjelmstad Promoted to Chief Marketing Officer
MINOT, ND – Cassidy Hjelmstad has been promoted to chief marketing officer (CMO) at SRT Communications, Inc. Hjelmstad has served as the director of corporate communications since 2010, and will continue to lead SRT’s corporate communications and customer service and billing department while assuming the additional responsibilities of corporate officer.
SRT CEO and General Manager Steve Lysne said, “Cassidy has provided leadership in our most customer-facing departments, which has created relationships with our members that exemplify our mission at SRT. Cassidy has a wealth of expertise and plays an integral role in the direction of the company. We are confident that she will excel in her role as chief marketing officer.”
In her time at SRT, Cassidy has been instrumental in leading teams to implement effective strategies for product sales growth and exceptional member experience. With her data driven approach, Cassidy has directed marketing, education efforts, and digital strategy to increase customer acquisition and satisfaction on SRT’s growing fiber optic network.
Cassidy has a passion for integrating technology and rural economic development opportunities. She has contributed to national advocacy discussions promoting rural broadband availability as part of her work on the NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association Marketing Committee and Smart Rural Community Advisory Group.
Hjelmstad stated, “10 years ago, I began my SRT career. Since then, I have worked with countless employees, members, and community and industry leaders that have challenged me to become a better marketer, communicator, and leader. Each day, I get to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry, to whom we owe much credit for SRT’s continued growth and expansion. I look forward to the opportunity to continue SRT’s mission to meet and exceed the needs of the members and communities we serve.”
SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT is completing a fiber optic network build throughout its service area and offers Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services. SRT has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs nearly 200 people, and serves approximately 40,000 customers.
###
