LET’S GET GROWING! CONNECTED = PROTECTEDWITH PROTECTIQ™ ROMANCE SCAMS STEAL MORE THAN HEARTS THE ABCs OF DMs SUMMER 2022 VOLUME 27 NUMBER 116 ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS SIGNAL
2 www.alliancecom.net 3 Your New and Improved WiFi Experience is Here! Introducing the My Alliance WiFi App 4 Let’s Get Growing Use trusted practices and new trends to cultivate your best garden 10 Connected = Protected with ProtectIQ™ ProtectIQ is included with Ultimate Whole Home Wi-Fi 12 The ABCs of DMs Learn the “how,” “when,” and “why” of direct messages 14 Romance Scams Steal More Than Hearts Don’t get tricked by a fake love interest who only wants your money Contents Copyright© 2022 by Alliance Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 w .alliance om.net SIGNAL Connected = Protected With ProtectIQ™ ProtectIQ is included with Ultimate Whole Home Wi-Fi AllianceNewsletterAd031122ProtectIQv2.qxp_Layout 1 3/14/22 9:35 AM Page 1 14 4 10 12 General Manager Ross Petrick Editor Amy Ahlers Signal (USPS #010-984) is published quarterly for $3.17 a year by Alliance Communications, PO Box 349, 612 Third St., Garretson, SD 57030-0349. Subscriptions are sent to all customers. Periodicals postage paid at Garretson, SD, and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to Alliance Communications, PO Box 349, Garretson, SD 57030-0349. USPS 010-984 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, photocopying, recording, mechanical, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher. TRADEMARKS – All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Signal magazine is an independent magazine and is not affiliated with, nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation, Google, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. All screen shots are the property of their respective owners. Alliance Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. (the Authors and Publishers) hereby disclaim all warranties relating to Signal magazine or its website, whether expressed or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Although the Authors believe the information provided is accurate, the Authors do not have responsibility for any damage or loss of data to a user’s computer caused by utilizing this information. The Authors will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect, or similar damages due to loss of data or any other reason when utilizing information/tutorials from Signal magazine or its websites. In no event shall the Authors be liable for any damages, regardless of the form of the claim. The person using the information contained in Signal magazine bears all risk as to the use of the information provided. Alliance Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. are not responsible for the quality, performance, or reliability of third-party tools or software.
Make sure your Alliance router is plugged in. Your router needs to be plugged in at least 10 minutes before continuing to the next step. Download theMy Alliance WiFi app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and install it on your mobile device. Select “Let’s get started” 1 2 3 Select “Sign Up” towards the bottom of the screen. 4 Press “I don’t have a mesh (SAT)” when the box below pops up. (Press “I don’t have a mesh” even if you have a mesh unit installed.) 7 Congratulations! You’re all done. Now you can start exploring your new app. For details on how to use specific features, visit alliancecom.net/support/internet- support and click on theMy Alliance WiFi App tab. 8 Enter your personal information. The password you enter here will be used when you access the My Alliance WiFi app. Then select “Sign Up” at the bottom. 5 Point your camera at the QR code found on the bottom of your router. (Your router might be attached to a stand. If it is, you will need to remove the router from the stand to see the QR code.) 6 Get started with the App TheMy AllianceWiFi App allows you to manage your home or small businessWi-Fi network. Download the app and start managing your home or network today! For details on how to use specific features, visit alliancecom.net/support/ internet-support and click on theMy AllianceWiFi App tab. Need help? Dial 611 from any phone with Alliance service or (605) 582-6311. You also can send a message to email@alliancecom.net. If you use a WiFi router from Alliance Communications, you now have access to the new My Alliance WiFi app. It makes it easier than ever to manage your home’s WiFi network. With the My Alliance WiFi app, here’s just some of the things you can do from your mobile device: • Create profiles for each family member and control WiFi access to their devices. For example, you can cut off WiFi to your son’s gaming system if he isn’t doing his homework. • Create a guest network for visitors to use so you don’t have to give them your primary WiFi password. • Reset your SSID and password whenever you want. • View all of the devices connected to your network. The app is free for all Alliance Whole Home WiFi customers and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can connect the app to your router using these instructions or give us a call at (605) 582-6311. Your NEW and IMPROVED WiFi Experience isHere! INTRODUCING THE MY ALLIANCE WIFI APP QuickStartGuide: How to Set Up Your My AllianceWiFi App
4 www.alliancecom.net LET’S GET GROWING! Use trusted practices and new trends to cultivate your best garden Many people have taken up this rewarding hobby over the years, but each garden is unique. In the next few pages, we offer information to help you make yours the best it can be and get the most from your resources, region, and skills. Beginners will find how-tos and guides to get started, and experienced gardeners will appreciate the new advice and trends. We gathered a list of helpful apps to bring into the garden with you, along with your shovels, gloves, and seeds. You’ll also learn common gardening mistakes to avoid, how to start your garden indoors before planting season, and why it’s super important to know where utility lines are buried before you start digging. We hope this information will help you take the next step in your gardening journey, even if it’s through the mud! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your watering can, and dig through this content to pick up terrific tips for this year’s garden. Whether you have a single container with a tomato plant on your balcony or an elaborate flower collection in your backyard, you’re likely getting the many benefits of gardening, which include relaxation, enjoyment, a sense of accomplishment, and connection with the earth. QUICK TIP: Consider joining a local gardening group to trade tips specific to your region.
www.alliancecom.net 5 If you’re new to gardening, the amount of information about it online may seem overwhelming. To help, we’ve harvested a collection of sites that offer critical basics like what you need to start a garden, how to compost, and how to grow specific plants. Read on to grow your gardening savvy. You Won’t Be a Beginner for Long with These Gardening Guides Gardening Know How gardeningknowhow.com This comprehensive site offers information about both edible and ornamental gardens, including sections on topics like plant diseases, fruit tree care, and even how to grow in the snow. You’ll also find a tool for posing your gardening question to a pro. Almanac almanac.com The annual Farmer’s Almanac is still published in book form and is packed with weather predictions, tips, recipes, and, of course, gardening advice. The online version is just as helpful, with sections related to weather, gardening, calendar, and food. BBC Gardening Guides – Basics bbc.co.uk/gardening/ basics/techniques The UK is known for its beautiful gardens and the country’s leading public service broadcaster has published an extensive gardening guide. Step-by-step instructions will have you performing basic gardening tasks like sowing, pruning, and cutting in no time. National Gardening Association garden.org/getstarted The mission of the National Gardening Association is to promote gardening. Its website includes “A Primer for Getting Started,” which is perfect for beginners with information on when to plant, where to buy seeds, and how to teach kids about gardening. Sunset Garden Basics sunset.com/home-garden/ garden-basics Sunset magazine has long been a resource for gardeners in the U.S. West. Its Garden Basics section offers dozens of guides for planting, design, and smart gardening hacks. You’ll learn about herb garden basics, plants to grow between seasons, and the best gardening gear. You’ll Want to Avoid These Common Gardening Mistakes Whether you’re growing beautiful flowers or bountiful veggies, you can keep your plants healthy by avoiding these common mistakes: • Poor watering technique. Avoid watering at the hottest time of day. Instead, do so first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Be sure to water the soil, not just the plants. • Ineffective weeding. If you just pull the leaves of a weed, it will grow back. Instead, remove the entire plant, including the root. • Planting in the wrong place. Some plants thrive on lots of sunlight while others do much better in shade. Research your plant before you choose a location for it. • Placing plants too close together. Plants don’t like to be crowded. Follow spacing instructions for each plant type, or thin out groupings as they start to grow. • Planting at the wrong time. Most plants have a specific time of the year that they grow best. Research your plant to find out their ideal growing season. The gardeners at your local nursery can help you avoid some mistakes by directing you to the right plants for your location and climate.
6 www.alliancecom.net From Farm to Table in Your Own Backyard Eating produce you grow yourself brings a whole new level of enjoyment to meals due to the pride of accomplishment, freshness, and convenience of shopping in your own backyard. Look around these sites and get a taste of what’s possible in vegetable gardening. Better Homes & Gardens bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/ vegetables/planning-your-first- vegetable-garden This detailed article presents essential steps for starting your first garden. The practical tips include starting small, growing what you like to eat, and planning your garden in advance. Don’t forget to check out the helpful video about the best places online to buy seeds. Skippy’s Vegetable Garden skippysgarden.com This online journal tracks many activities and helpful hints from gardener Kathy Martin and her helper/dog, Skippy. Especially useful are the garden diagrams, planting schedules, and variety lists. You’ll also find links to download Skippy’s vegetable planting calendar app. Herb Expert herbexpert.co.uk This site is mostly about herbs—how to cook with, grow, and harvest them. But it also includes a helpful section about vegetables, especially specific kinds like nightshades, legumes, and root veggies. After you explore the site, take the vegetable expert quiz to see how much you’ve learned. The Spruce – Gardening Basics thespruce.com/ gardening-basics-4127766 In this website section, you’ll find articles on growing your own veggies in helpful categories like garden tasks and gardening by region. Topics include fertilizer, soil, seed storage, and how to start a garden from scratch. Harvest to Table harvesttotable.com This site is literally an A to Z of how to grow specific vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Click in one of those sections and you’ll find a listing of many you probably have on your list and others you’ve never heard of. Also check out the sections on harvesting and cooking. Start Your Garden Early in the Year While it’s easy to go to a nursery in the springtime and buy all the vegetables you want to plant in your garden, it can be more rewarding to grow those plants from seed. Here are the steps to take: 1. Gather seedling trays, soil mix, grow lights, spray bottle, labels, and seeds. 2. Plant the seeds in the soil in the seedling trays. It’s important to plant at the right time, so check the seed package or ask a nursery gardener when to plant each variety. Insert labels so you know what’s growing where. 3. Place the trays under your lights, or near a sunny window. 4. Spray the trays just enough to keep the soil moist. When the plants start to grow, use a watering can. 5. In the spring, gently remove them and plant them in your outdoor garden.
www.alliancecom.net 7 Do You KnowYour Planting Zone? Many plants grow best in certain climates, and the USDA has developed the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map that shows the various planting zones throughout the U.S. Descriptions of plants and seeds often reference planting zones, so when you’re researching anything having to do with gardening, it’s important to know which planting zone is yours. When a plant is referred to as hardy to a particular zone, it means it can survive in the lowest winter temperatures of that zone. Note that the zones don’t fit into neat categories such as states. They’re smaller, more specific regions with unique climate conditions. To discover which zone you’re in, visit planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/pages/view-maps. There you can find and download state, regional, and national Plant Hardiness Zone Maps at various resolutions. You can also enter your address and use the color-coded legend to identify your zone. Sustainable gardening is gaining momentum as people realize their gardens can have a positive impact on the environment. For example, certain techniques invite and protect wildlife on your property. Sustainable gardening can also save you both time and money. Sustainable Gardens Contribute to the Health of the Planet Mother Earth News motherearthnews.com/ organic-gardening In addition to its magazine, Mother Earth News also offers a natural living website with many resources for helping people live in healthy, sustainable ways. Its Organic Gardening section provides dozens of articles about things like gardening techniques, tools, and pest control. Treehugger treehugger.com/garden-4846054 Treehugger is a sustainability site that offers advice for green living. Its Garden section provides eco-friendly methods for planting and maintaining your garden, including composting, natural pest and weed control, and the sustainable practice of growing food at home. HGTV hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/ planting-and-maintenance/10-waysto-green-your-garden-for-earth-day One of the preeminent gardening resources, HGTV, has put together this article on ways to green your garden. Ideas range from planting trees to using organic seeds to using smart watering strategies to reducing your reliance on chemicals. Homes & Gardens homesandgardens.com/gardens/create-an-eco-friendly-garden-220348 In this article, Homes & Gardens offers 18 ways to create an eco-friendly garden. By doing things like choosing native plants, using natural pest control, collecting rainwater, and planting more trees, you’ll make your yard even greener. Joe Gardener joegardener.com PBS fans might recognize Joe Lamp’l from the show Growing a Greener World. His gardening resources include videos, podcasts, and articles, and his website is helpfully divided into sections about how to prepare, plant, grow, and care. QUICK TIP: For information about a specific plant, try the search tool at davesgarden.com/guides/pf.
8 www.alliancecom.net Update Your View of Gardening with These Current Trends Many gardening practices are tried and true, while others are just starting to take off. The following sites describe the latest trends and will give you plenty of ideas for creating unique garden spaces inside and out. LivingWalls realhomes.com/us/advice/ how-to-create-a-living-wall Living walls are vertical surfaces with plants growing on them. They’re perfect for bringing some greenery into limited outdoor spaces and can also be used to create more privacy or soundproofing. This detailed Real Homes article explains what living walls are, how they work, and how to build one. Outdoor Rooms thisoldhouse.com/yards/21018978/ 39-budget-wise-ways-to-create- outdoor-rooms The definition of an outdoor room is pretty broad. Generally, it’s a defined space with no walls and/or roof. A balcony, patio, or other designated area can all be considered outdoor rooms. This guide from This Old House will help you select the perfect details for your new outdoor hangout. Balcony Gardens housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/designs/how-to/a781/balcony-garden-guide No backyard? No problem! You can create a garden even in the smallest of outdoor spaces like a balcony. This House Beautiful guide offers tips for planning, choosing plants, picking planters, and setting up your space. Pollinator Gardens fws.gov/midwest/news/PollinatorGarden.html Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for healthy habitats. You can encourage their activity by growing plants they like. This page from the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service offers great tips for choosing your location and plants, as well as prepping, planting, and growing your garden. Rewilding mossy.earth/rewilding-knowledge/rewild-your-garden Rewilding is the practice of returning land to its natural, uncultivated state to provide benefits for local plants, plus birds, insects, and other animals. The Mossy Earth organization has put together this helpful guide, complete with a glossary of terms, to help you understand why and how to rewild. How to Grow a Bouquet-Worthy Flower Garden When you have your own cutting garden, you can create beautiful floral arrangements for your home whenever you want, without the expense of buying flowers from the store. Plus, you’ll know the flowers are fresh and will last longer in a vase. Here are a few pointers to grow the flower garden of your dreams: • Plant flowers that work well for cutting, including cosmos, dahlias, and zinnias. • Choose varieties that coordinate well together in terms of color, size, and shape. • Select flowers that are resistant to drought and weeds and that produce blooms for several months. • Check your growing zone to find out which flowers grow best in your region. • For many flower types, the more you cut, the more they produce. • Dead head your flowers—that is, regularly cut off any dead or dying blooms. Don’t limit yourself to flowers when gathering stems for a floral arrangement. Also include using branches from bushes in your yard as well as herbs such as sage, oregano, mint, and lavender.
www.alliancecom.net 9 Bring your guides out to the garden with you by downloading the apps on this list. They make it easier to identify, grow, and care for plants, as well enable you to ask real live experts for advice. These Apps are Handy Gardening Tools From Seed to Spoon seedtospoon.net This comprehensive app includes detailed growing guides for more than 100 specific plants, step-by-step instructions for veggie gardening, customized planting dates based on your location, and help with critters that might try to destroy all your hard work. Smart Plant Home smartplanthome.com/app-1 Wouldn’t it be great if your plants could tell you what they need? Now they can. With this app, you can set up a digital garden and get notifications when your plants need water or other care. The app also recommends other plants you might like. Garden Plan Pro (iOS only) gardenplanpro.com Planning is a big part of gardening, and this app helps you do it with flexible drawing tools and an extensive database of plants and varieties. You can easily design the perfect garden layout, rearrange plants, and track your progress. Plant advice is based on your location. Moon and Garden moonandgarden.com This unique app uses information about the phases of the moon to help you know what to do in your garden each day. It includes a calendar, photo gallery to store snaps of your garden, and alarms to remind you to perform gardening tasks. Garden Answers gardenanswers.com A useful tool for any gardener, this app helps you identify plants, diagnose diseases, get expert advice, and keep all your answers in one handy place. The simple interface makes it easy to snap a photo and ask your questions, and you’ll get detailed information in return. Don’t Forget to Call Before You Dig Gardening is delightful, but there are things that can interfere with your enjoyment—like too much or too little rain, a hailstorm right after you plant, or hungry animals that eat your produce. Another potential problem is hitting a buried line as you dig, which can interfere with both your garden and your utility service. To prevent this situation, always call 811 before you dig to request that utility representatives mark with paint or flags the location of buried utility lines. That way, you can avoid these areas when you begin any outdoor project that involves digging, from planting a garden to building a patio. You can also visit call811.com/811-In-Your-State for more information. For best results, plan ahead and call a few business days before you want to dig. QUICKTIP: Want to garden with others? Explore community gardening at communitygarden.org.
10 www.alliancecom.net Connected = Protected With ProtectIQ™ ProtectIQ is included with Ultimate Whole Home Wi-Fi
www.alliancecom.net 11 UltimateWhole HomeWi-Fi ProtectIQ Protection Report Total Monthly Blocks January and February 2,717 Web Threats Blocked January and February 296 Intrusions Blocked January and February 2,409 Viruses & Malware Blocked January and February 12 Over the last month, ProtectIQ has been automatically blocking anything that looks suspicious coming into your network – web threats, viruses, malware and intrusions. ProtectIQ is automatically included with our Ultimate Whole Home Wi-Fi Plan. Keep enjoying your Wi-Fi. We’ll keep you protected. Protect your Wi-Fi network today. Dial 611 from any phone with Alliance service or (605) 582-6311.
12 www.alliancecom.net When to Use DMs DMs are like text messages you send through a social media platform, though with some differences. The primary one is that you might not always know the person you’re DMing well. DMs can be used to jump start conversations, make plans, or begin business deals. Here are some scenarios in which you might want to use a DM: • An old high school friend connects with you on Facebook. You want to tell them how something they said back then inspired you but don’t want to share it with all your Facebook friends. You also don’t know their email address or any other way to reach them, so you send them a DM to share your thoughts. • You’ve reconnected with a former work colleague on Twitter and want to ask them to get a cup of coffee to catch up on both of your professional lives. It’s not appropriate information for a tweet, and you know they spend a lot of time on Twitter, so you send them a DM to make your plans. • For professional networking purposes, you connect with many colleagues on LinkedIn. In an effort to start conversations with people you don’t know well, you send each new connection a DM to say hello and introduce yourself and your expertise. How DMs Work Rather than showing up on a user’s timeline, DMs show up in a separate section. They appear in a format similar to text messages, in which you can see the back-and-forth exchange between yourself and the other person. When you receive a DM, you’ll see a notification icon letting you know it’s there. Each platform has its own rules for who you can DM with. For example, on Twitter, you may only send a DM to someone who is following you. Some platforms The ABCs of DMs Learn the “how,”“when,” and “why” of direct messages Social media is for broadcasting your thoughts, images, and videos to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of followers. But what if you have something to say to just one person? Direct messages, known as DMs, are the solution, and they’re available on all the most popular platforms. FAST FACT: “Slide into someone’s DMs”means to send them a DM, often for romantic reasons.
www.alliancecom.net 13 allow you to send DMs to more than one person at a time. When using DMs, remember that, though they are private between you and another person or people, they can still be copied and shared and may not be entirely secure. Use DMs with discretion and consider another method to communicate if your information is confidential. History of DMs DMs are a form of instant messaging, which started in the late 1990s with platforms like ICQ, AIM, and MSN. In the 2000s, this functionality shifted to mobile phones, making it possible to share messages and photos. Skype and Google Talk came along around this time. In 2006, MySpace launched the first instant messaging function within a social media platform. In 2008, Facebook Messenger, then known as Facebook Chat, was released. In 2013, both Twitter and Instagram rolled out their DM features. In 2014, Facebook Messenger became a separate platform, followed by similar applications such as Whatsapp, WeChat, and Snapchat. DMDos and Don’ts DMs are a private space, so be courteous when approaching anyone you don’t know well. • Do connect for genuine reasons, such as appreciating something they’ve posted on the platform. • Do use DMs for making plans or anything else all your connections don’t need to see. • Do keep DMs short and to the point. • Don’t use DMs to harass others. • Don’t try to sell things or make demands. • Don’t send multiple messages. If someone doesn’t respond, it’s likely they don’t want to engage. In other words, be nice and treat fellow social media users with respect. QUICK TIP: If you can’t DM someone on Twitter, get their attention by using their handle at the beginning of a tweet. Contacting Celebrities Using a DM Social media has leveled the playing field in terms of celebrity accessibility. They’re as likely to respond to mentions or DMs as anyone else. Right? Well, not exactly. Given the number of these messages they receive, it’s not always possible for them (or their assistants) to respond. But there are some ways you can make it more probable that a celebrity will notice your DM: • DM for a reason other than, “I’m a huge fan.” Arouse their curiosity with valuable information or something you can offer them. • Get to the point quickly. Don’t waste valuable DM space with disclaimers like, “I hope I’m not wasting your time.” • It’s okay to DM the celebrity regularly, but don’t go overboard. Remember, celebrities have a lot of demands on their time and attention. You might use these tips, yet still not get a reply. But the thrill of hearing from someone you admire is often worth the effort.
14 www.alliancecom.net Dating apps and social media sites have become hot spots for criminals masquerading as Mr. or Mrs. Right to prey on lonely, unsuspecting people looking for love. But instead of finding romance, victims find themselves tricked out of money. Romance Scams Steal More ThanHearts Don’t get tricked by a fake love interest who only wants your money Carefully Crafted Deception Romance scams tend to follow a pattern. First, you receive an invitation to connect with someone while you’re looking at prospective partners on dating apps or scrolling through your social media feeds. You decide to accept the invitation and find yourself communicating frequently with this person. They suggest the conversation be moved off the dating app or social media site to another mode of communication (such as email or texting). A romantic relationship seems to quickly develop. The person gives plausible reasons why the two of you can’t meet in person— they’re working abroad, serving overseas in the military, or suffering from COVID-19. Eventually, requests for money begin. The “relationship” ends when the fake love interest disappears, or you realize you’ve been scammed. A Growing Problem The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said the number of romance scams has skyrocketed in recent years, and the record high loss of $547 million in 2021 was more than six times the reported loss in 2017 and a nearly 80 percent increase compared to 2020. This increase is more than any other FTC fraud category. The median individual reported loss in 2021 was $2,400. Reports to the FTC about romance scams increased most strikingly for people ages 18 to 29, where the number of reports increased more than tenfold from 2017 to 2021. However, the reported median loss from romance scams increased with age. Those 70 and older reported individual median losses at $9,000 compared to $750 for the 18 to 29 age group. The real numbers are likely much higher since
www.alliancecom.net 15 many people are too embarrassed to report the crime to authorities. Watch Out for Red Flags If the following scenarios look familiar, your “love connection”may be a scammer: • They profess their love too quickly. If they tell you they’re falling in love after just a few conversations, be suspicious. That only happens in Hallmark Christmas movies. • They work faraway. Some of the most common occupations claimed by romance scammers include oil rig workers, military personnel in an undisclosed location, and physicians practicing outside the U.S. • They ask for money for an emergency. Con artists will use sob stories of deaths in the family, injuries, or other hardships to keep their new love interests concerned and involved. Then they’ll ask for money to help them overcome a difficult financial situation. Gift cards and wire transfers are the most frequently reported payment methods. • They want to send you a large sum of money. Some criminals are looking for people to launder money for them that was gained unlawfully. If a romantic interest you’ve only known for a short while wants to send you a pile of money, don’t accept it and break off communications. • Their online profile seems a little too perfect. Their photos will display romantic vistas of them on a beach or atop the Eiffel Tower, they’ll look incredibly attractive, and they’ll have all the same likes and interests as you. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. • They prefer only written communication. Someone who refuses to do video calls —or will sit in low light rooms so it’s nearly impossible to see their face—is shady and can’t be trusted. Report Romance Scams If you believe you’ve been the victim of a romance scam, report the activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc. gov/#/. You should also contact your bank or credit card company if you discover fraudulent or suspicious transactions and notify the dating app or social media site where the contact began. Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to These Scams The best defense against romance scams is education and awareness. Follow these tips to avoid being fooled by a phony love interest: • Take it slowly and ask the other person lots of questions. A scammer may try to move things along quickly. • Trust your gut. If something feels off, it very well could be. Talk about the new relationship with trusted friends or family members and pay attention if they’re concerned. • Never send money, gift cards, or wire transfers to someone you haven’t met in person or give them your banking or credit card information. If you’re asked for money from someone you’ve only met online, the chances it’s fraud are extremely high. • Do a reverse image search of the person’ profile picture using Google’s “search by image” tool to see if it’s associated with another name or with details that don’t match up. Those are signs of a scam. • Cut off contact immediately if you suspect a romance scam. Take care to protect your heart and your wallet!
Call 611 from any phone with Alliance service or (605) 582-6311 from your cell phone. www.alliancecom.net Baltic Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Brandon Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Garretson Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 612 Third Street / PO Box 349 Garretson, SD 57030-0349 WE CONGRATULATE TheseWinners from Spring 2022: $30 – Karie Larson $30 – D M Liston $30 – Layne Waltner WIN CREDIT on Your Alliance Bill Just return this coupon by June 30, 2022. Automatic Bank Payment customers are automatically entered into the drawing. To sign up for Automatic Bank Payment, just fill out the form on the back of your next bill. Name ____________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Phone # __________________________________________ This is a limited time offer and is only valid one time per account. Switch to an online bill and get a one-time $20 credit Receive a one-time $20 credit by choosing to receive your Alliance bill online instead of in the mail. Not only will you reduce paper clutter, but you’ll also have extra money in your bank account. After you sign up to receive your bill online, we’ll send you an email on or before the first of the month that lets you know your bill is ready to view on Alliance’s website. Then just login to estatement.alliancecom. net/ebill to view your bill. Here’s how you sign up to receive your bill online: 1. G o to estatement.alliancecom.net/ebill and register for an account or sign in. 2. Click on the Settings tab. 3. Click on the General tab. 4. Under Invoice Preferences, select Web Bill Only. 5. Click on the Change Preferences button. The one-time $20 credit will appear on your bill within two months. If you need help signing up, call 611 from any phone with Alliance service or (605) 582-6311 from your cell phone. Ask about the convenience of AutoBank Pay.
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