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The Socket Connection |
July 2010 |
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Use the Internet to Save Money
Find great tools and bargains online.
If you're saving up for a big summer vacation - or if you just want to have a little extra spending money - you might be looking for simple ways to save.
Fortunately, having a computer with Internet access makes it easy to find good buys and save money. Often, it's as simple as visiting a few websites, and the monthly savings can really add up.
Save on long-distance costs
For example, Internet users can use electronic communications more frequently to cut down on long-distance or cellular telephone calls. E-mail, chat and social networking websites like Facebook are great ways to stay in touch with friends and family.
Pay bills and bank online
Paying monthly bills online can also help reduce spending. Switching from paper bills to electronic bills sometimes results in a credit or discount from your utility providers. In addition, this option reduces the need for postage stamps and paper checks. Tracking bills and payments online will lead to even more control over monthly finances.
The convenience of being able to check your bank statement at any time is ideal for families looking to plan their budget without the fear of overdrawing. Online banking also allows you to check your statement regularly, which helps you immediately detect any fraudulent transactions in your name.
Check with your bank to see what online banking and bill paying services are available for your account(s).
Use online coupons and codes
Get the inside scoop on deals and sales, as well as printable coupons and online coupon codes at websites like www.couponmountain.com.
When you're shopping for a big-ticket item, it's a good idea to do some comparison shopping online. Websites like www.pricegrabber.com and www.bizrate.com quickly compare the prices of a specific product at various stores, so shoppers can find the best deal. Using these tools can save money by revealing the best available price and eliminating the need to drive to multiple stores.
Connect with sellers
Community shopping websites like www.ebay.com and www.craigslist.com can help point shoppers to more great bargains. Buying a product on one of these websites instead of purchasing it new in a store can often lead to tremendous savings.
Online shopping security
Remember to verify security on online shopping sites before buying. Check the website address bar for "https" before entering credit card or bank account information, as this signifies a secure website. A closed padlock or unbroken key icon in the bottom of the Web browser is another good indication the website is secure.
More tips
These tips just scratch the surface. There are plenty of other small things people can do to maximize the value of their Internet connection. To learn more, check out www.socket.net/money.
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(c) 2010 Socket. All rights reserved.
Dear Techie: I got a suspicious e-mail that says it's from Socket. What should I do?
Socket will never ask for account information via e-mail.
Phishing, a form of identity theft, occurs when a person or group of people attempts to obtain an individual's personal information by using e-mail to pretend to be a legitimate business.
A phishing e-mail or message typically imitates communications from a company, oftentimes a bank or other financial institution. It may even include a logo or image from the company's website.
If the recipient submits the information to a fraudulent site, the phisher can use the personal information obtained to access bank accounts, make fraudulent purchases or hack into e-mail accounts. The costs can be devastating.
Remember these key points to protect yourself against phishing scams:
- Legitimate businesses should never ask you to submit personal information via e-mail. Businesses may e-mail you account statements or company announcements. Be suspicious if a reply with personal information is requested, and forward the e-mail to the business or contact them via phone to verify its validity.
- Look for signs of phishing. Phishing messages often contain spelling, grammatical or other errors.
- Exercise caution when clicking links in an e-mail. Links can be disguised to direct you to a different website than the one listed. If you do not know the sender or have doubts about the e-mail's authenticity, manually type all links directly into your address bar to be sure you are visiting the intended website.
- Use a spam filter and anti-virus software. A spam filter can block many phishing e-mails from entering your inbox. Utilize an anti-virus program to protect against unwanted files that could rob you of personal information. Socket offers Trend Micro Internet Security at a discounted rate.
You can forward suspicious e-mails to antispam392@socket.net to report the address to Socket's Spam Filter, as well as spam@uce.gov to store the message in a database used by the FTC. Or, simply delete the message as soon as you realize it is fraudulent.
Learn about phishing and take a few basic precautions - your personal information will be well protected as a result.
Daryl Trebus
Technical Support Representative
support@socket.net
Have a question of your own for Dear Techie? Send it to editor@socket.net.
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Socket Out and About
Socket continued its tour of local Missouri events throughout June, visiting customers in Columbia, Jefferson City, Centralia and Fulton.
We also helped build a house with River City Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson City!
Many area kids stopped by to color with us at Art in the Park in Columbia.
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These Socketeers worked many hours (and got a little dirty) to help build a home in Jefferson City with Habitat for Humanity.
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To learn more about Socket's community involvement and to view more pictures of Socketeers in action, visit www.socket.net/community.
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Socketeer Spotlight: Deborah McDuffie, Business Account Coordinator
Deborah McDuffie was chosen as Socket’s You-Make-the-Difference-Award winner for June. She came to Socket in October 2008 as a residential technician. After a couple months, she began splitting her time with Socket's Business Center and transferred there full-time last year.
"You can always count on Deborah to take the ball and run with it," said a co-worker who nominated her for the award. "She sees everything through to the end and makes sure our customers get superior service."
Deborah likes spending time with her husband, Robert, and their two dogs and cat. They like to cook cultural foods together. Deborah is also involved with the Society for Creative Anachronism, where she researches and sews 10th-14th century outfits and wears them at historical recreational events.
"I'm honored to have been recognized," Deborah said. "It's such a joy to work in Socket's positive, team-oriented environment."
Socket's You-Make-the-Difference Award is given monthly to the employee who best exemplifies Socket's Core Values and Beliefs. Recipients of the award are nominated and voted on by their peers. To view other winners, visit www.socket.net/ymtd.
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Sites of the MonthThree great Web sites to check out in July:
- One Across (www.oneacross.com/crosswords/)
Stumped by a crossword clue? Search not only using the clue, but also enter the letters you do know to obtain possible answers.
- Zeer (www.zeer.com)
Quickly access nutritional information for packaged foods and read or leave product reviews. The site is especially helpful for those managing a vegetarian, gluten-free or other special diet.
- What Should I Read Next? (www.whatshouldireadnext.com)
Looking for a good book? Start by entering a book or author you like and this website will suggest others you might enjoy.
Do you have a great Web site to share with others? Send it to editor@socket.net.
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Contact Information, Comments and Suggestions
Contact us...
Our call center will be closed Sunday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Our offices will be closed Monday, July 5, but our call center will be open during regular hours.
- Find us at:
2703 Clark Lane
Columbia, MO 65202
- Call us at 1-800-SOCKET-3 (1-800-762-5383)
- E-mail your billing and account questions to office@socket.net
- E-mail your technical questions to support@socket.net
- Mail your bill to:
P.O. Box 7716
Columbia, MO 65205
- Make payments online at www.socket.net/myaccount
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Disclaimer: This publication provides general information about the
subject matter covered. Before acting on any information contained in this
publication, please consult with one of Socket's technical or customer service
representatives at 1-800-SOCKET-3 to determine its applicability to your
particular situation.
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© 2009 Socket Holdings Corp. All rights reserved.
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