BEATRICE - Gage County and the City of Beatrice are teaming up with a local communications provider to observe Internet Safety Month, during June.

Windstream-Kinetic held a news conference at the Beatrice Public Library Monday morning, about the problem of scam artists victimizing people on the phone or online.

Area Sales Manager Stephanie Laux of Windstream says cybercrime costs are expected to surpass six-trillion dollars across the U.S. in the next two years….double the amount of just a year ago.

http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2019/06/Internet-Safe1.mp3

:23 "are secure"

Gage County Sheriff's Investigator Tim Hanson works on internet crime cases….and he says some people locally have lost money being victimized. Hanson said one key thing to remember is that you'll never have to send money in order to win something.

He spoke of some telltale signs a scam is underway.

http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2019/06/Internet-Safe2.mp3

:15 "administration"

Hanson urged people not be reluctant to call their local law enforcement agency if they suspect a scam. He says in today's internet world, its important not to volunteer critical information.

http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2019/06/Internet-Safe3.mp3

:10 "there, forever"

Windstream is holding a lunch-and-learn session Tuesday with the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday…focusing on tips to keep families and businesses safe while online. The company will also have a customer appreciation and educational event at their Beatrice retail location, June 19th.