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January 2015
In This Issue
NEW Section!
Featured Apps - These Are Worth A Look
Vine - 
FREE

Vine allows you to record and share six-second looping videos. Interact with friends, browse videos from other users, or share your creations on Facebook or Twitter. 


Overdrive - FREE

Love to read? Then you'll love this app, which lets you borrow thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and videos from your local library.
 

Dial 711 for Michigan Relay Service


New Telecommunications Relay Service Provider Selected to Serve Customers who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind or Have Difficulty Speaking.

On February 1, 2015, customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking who use the Michigan Relay Service will be served by a new Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) provider. On this date, we will transition from AT&T Relay to Hamilton Relay as the contracted provider. AT&T has discontinued the provision of TRS services.

 

We have taken care to minimize the impact on users of TRS by selecting one of the country's leading TRS providers.  On February 1, 2015, the existing toll-free Michigan Relay Service numbers will be disconnected, however, callers who require the use of traditional relay services in Michigan, now or in the future, should dial 7-1-1 to access the Relay center.  Dialing 7-1-1 from any number within the state of Michigan will connect the caller directly to a specially trained Communication Assistant who will be ready to place the relay call. 

 

Telecommunications Relay Service is a telephone service that allows individuals who have difficulty hearing or speaking to place and receive telephone calls.  TRS uses operators, called Communication Assistants (CAs), to facilitate telephone calls between individuals with hearing and speaking difficulties and individuals who use standard telephones. Additional information about TRS is available at 

www.fcc.gov/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs.

 

Hamilton Relay has provided Relay services for more than 23 years, was one of the first companies to offer Relay service, and was the first to trial Captioned Telephone services.  Hamilton Relay provides contracted Traditional Relay and/or Captioned Telephone services to 17 states, the District of Columbia and the Island of Saipan, and is a provider of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services nationwide. More information is available at www.HamiltonRelay.com.

 

Back to Top

Scam Alert - Microsoft Tech Support Telephone Scam

A few of our customers have reported that scam artists are using the phone to try to break into their computers. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft, and are intent on confusing you with a barrage of technical terms. They may ask you to go to your computer and perform a series of complex tasks. Sometimes, they will target legitimate computer files and claim that they are viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don't need. Their tactics are designed to scare you into believing they can help fix your "problem."Once they've gained your trust, they may:

  • ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable
  • try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
  • ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services - or services you could get elsewhere for free
  • trick you into installing malware that could steal sensitive data, like user names and passwords
  • direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information

These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it's important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn't to protect your computer; it's to make money. 

 

Keep these other tips in mind:

  • Don't give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.
  • Do not rely on caller ID alone to authenticate a caller. Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number, when they're not even in the same country as you.
  • Online search results might not be the best way to find technical support or get a company's contact information. Scammers sometimes place online ads to convince you to call them. They pay to boost their ranking in search results so their websites and phone numbers appear above those of legitimate companies. If you want tech support, look for a company's contact information on their software package or on your receipt.
  • Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support.
  • If a caller pressures you to buy a computer security product or says there is a subscription fee associated with the call, hang up. If you're concerned about your computer, call your security software company directly and ask for help.
  • Never give your password on the phone. No legitimate organization calls you and asks for your password.
  • Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and then report illegal sales calls.
  • A caller who creates a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactics is probably a scam artist

If you get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call us at a phone number you know to be genuine (Click here for a list of valid contact phone numbers). Let us know of the call you received.


Additionally, whenever you receive a phone call or see a pop-up window on your PC and feel uncertain whether it is from someone at Microsoft, don't take the risk. Reach out directly to one of their technical support experts dedicated to helping you at the Microsoft Answer Desk. Or you can simply call them at 1-800-426-9400.

Additional resources:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - The FTC has information on its web site about this "Tech Support Scam," in which it provides information about what consumers can do if they encounter this type of caller. Click here for the FTC website.

 

Separately, because Microsoft has a stake in combating the problem, we urge you to report the problem. On the Microsoft site there is a link to a reporting form.


Go Pinterest-ing! - Cool Stuff To Pin On Your Pinterest Boards
You haven't started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? If so, click here.

This Month's FAQ - What Do The Terms "Digital Native" And "Digital Immigrant" Mean?
Question: I've heard the terms "digital native" and "digital immigrant" but I don't know what they mean. Can you explain? 

     

Answer: The terms "digital native" and "digital immigrant" both refer to how much of their lives people have spent in the digital world. Digital natives are those who have been interacting with digital devices, and especially the Internet, all their lives and feel comfortable with this technology. Digital natives are usually people in Generation Y and younger.

Digital immigrants are typically people belonging to Generation X and previous generations, who experienced life before the Internet. These folks may have grown up with TV, video games, and early computers but were introduced to the Internet as teens or adults. They have adapted to the Internet and related technologies but the interaction isn't as comfortable as it is for younger users. 

 
Sites Of The Month - Great Sites To Check Out
Major Life Events Can Affect Your Taxes

irs.gov/ - When you're caught up in the joy of a baby, marriage, or new house-or in the challenges of divorce, bankruptcy, or a natural disaster-the last thing you're probably thinking about is taxes. But these types of situations can have a significant tax impact. Visit this site to learn more. 
 
Tools To Get Fit, All in One Place

fitday.com - FitDay can help you meet your weight loss goals with several helpful tools: articles that focus on the challenges of weight loss, a dietician to create a custom health plan, a calorie counter to track calorie intake, and a mobile app to keep track on the go. 


Secure Online Financial Tracking

mint.com - Time to get your finances in order? With Mint, you can categorize and budget to achieve your financial goals. This online application allows you to see your cash, credit card, loan, and investment accounts all in one place. You can also organize your bills and get alerts when they're due. 


Get And Stay Organized

unclutterer.com - From financial files to kids' toys to upcoming events, the Unclutterer can help you unclutter your life! This practical blog offers advice in numerous areas including kitchen, garage, and travel. For example, learn how to sort out your recipes, prepare yard tools for spring, or make the most of airport waiting time. 


Two To View - Amazing Videos You Don't Want To Miss
Discover The Secret
Of This Optical Illusion

Here's a great reminder that things aren't always what they seem. The dots appear to be moving in circles but are actually moving in straight lines.

NFL Players Say The Most
Surprising Things On The Field

In anticipation of the upcoming Super Bowl, we just had to share the hilarious NFL Bad Lip Reading. It is brilliant no matter how many times we watch.

Stay Connected

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We hope you found this newsletter to be informative. It's our way of keeping you posted on the happenings here. 

As a locally owned, locally operated, Upper Peninsula business, we appreciate that you have chosen us as your internet and phone service provider. Your support means the world to us and we are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction!


Sincerely, 

Leif Street 
Marketing Manager
Hiawatha Communications, Inc. // jamadots  
108 W Superior St.
Munising, MI 49862-1192
906-387-9911
 
 
 
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