Company Text Alerts Now Use 'OSI' Prefix

We regularly use text alerts to share important information. To help you trust the content we’re sending, all messages will begin with “OSI”.

Olympic Steel regularly uses text alerts to share information and reminders easily with employees. All employees are automatically enrolled within a few weeks after their hire date. The first message will include additional information, like how to opt out. While we encourage all employees to keep this form of communication handy, we understand that text scams are getting sneakier every day, and not always easy to spot.

We appreciate employees who have reached out because they thought a text message looked suspicious. We hear you and understand your concerns. While we’re not eliminating Company text alerts, we will add a prefix to ALL Olympic Steel Company text alerts.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Starting this week, all official company text alerts will begin with "OSI" at the beginning of the message. No matter the content, when you see “OSI” at the start of the message (from 833.765.0153), you can be sure it’s really coming from us.

     Example: OSI – Your Stories. Our Odyssey. https://txt.so/YZMGws Reply stop to stop

WHY THE CHANGE?

We know how easy it is to get flooded with texts these days, and we want to make sure you can instantly recognize what’s important. The new prefix helps cut through the noise and gives you peace of mind that the message is legit. To add an extra layer of recognition – save the number to your contacts.

Keep an eye out for that tag (OSI) at the start of our messages. And if you ever get a suspicious-looking text claiming to be from the company, feel free to double-check with the Communications Team by emailing CompanyCommunications@olysteel.com.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TEXT SCAMS

While we’re taking a small step to help you distinguish safe texts from scam texts, below are additional tips to keep you one step ahead. And, remember - always exercise caution when interacting with any form of technology. When in doubt - go directly to IamOlympicSteel.com to view content.

• Don’t click on links from unknown numbers: If you get a random text with a link, even if it looks official – DON’T CLICK. It could lead to a fake site designed to steal your info.
• Look for typos or weird language: Scam messages often have awkward phrasing, poor grammar or just feel “off”. Trust your gut.
• Verify before you respond: If a text claims to be from your bank, a delivery company, or even Olympic Steel, but something feels fishy – stop and verify. Go directly to the source instead of replying to the message. NOTE: Company Communications will not ask for a reply to any of our text messages.
• Watch for urgent or threatening language: Scammers love to create panic – like saying your account will be locked unless you act now.
• Never share personal info via text: No legitimate organization will ask you for passwords, identifiable information or banking data over text. That’s a red flag.
• Identify the new text prefix: Remember, now all official company texts start with “OSI”. If you don’t see that, double-check with your manager or the Comms Team before trusting the message.
• Block and report suspicious numbers: Most phones let you block numbers and report spam. Use those features! It helps stop future scams (for you and others).

Bottom line: If something feels off, pause before you tap and verify the source (not the sender).

ENROLL IN TEXT ALERTS

If you’re not enrolled in text messaging, reach out to your HR Generalist or the Comms Team to find out how you can sign-up.