Latest news with #AlmiyaWhite
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Secret Service recovers multiple skimming devices in statewide EBT fraud crackdown
The United States Secret Service, alongside multiple law enforcement agencies in our area, conducted a card-skimming and electronic benefit transfer fraud outreach operation at the end of May. From May 29 until May 30, authorities visited more than 400 businesses to look for illegal skimming devices from ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale terminals and remove them. In total, 17 devices were recovered, preventing the loss of $5.1 million. Criminal groups were targeting EBT information because many states utilize magnetic technology rather than new chip technology, since it's much harder to steal. ALSO READ: Customers on alert as authorities look for people accused of skimming bank cards at local ATM's Channel 9's Almiya White spoke with many people who said they were familiar with that type of scam. Brad Crasnow said he was once a victim of illegal skimming devices. 'Ran my card, and they ended up stealing a few $100 from me after getting gas at a gas station,' said Crasnow. 'It's not cool, like everyone's struggling. Everyone's got their own stuff going on. Like, I work hard for my money. Everybody works hard for their money.' He said he now gives the card scanner a quick tug when paying at the pump. 'Make sure there's nothing that's loose there,' Crasnow explained. Aside from a quick tug on the card reader, Crasnow said he also looks for a certain type of security tape. 'Just looking around, you know, they have all these seals and stuff, usually, that are to show you that it's not broken into or anything like that,' said Crasnow. Authorities said this was the first fraud outreach operation in North Carolina by the U.S. Secret Service. It could be used as a model for other cities around the country where this type of fraud is more common. VIDEO: Customers on alert as authorities look for people accused of skimming bank cards at local ATM's
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gastonia festival organizers face new costs as city ends free staffing support
Celebrations of community collaboration are now facing a financial roadblock. The city of Gastonia will no longer be footing the bill for first responders and workers at festivals. Instead, organizers will have to pick up the cost. Channel 9's Almiya White delved into why this shift in policy could mean an uncertain future. ALSO READ: Vandal destroys nonprofit's van that helps dozens experiencing homelessness For 35 years, Erwin Center and Park have been the home of the Highland Festival. One of its organizers, Finland Fair, said the festival is an opportunity for the community to come together. But this year, they are facing a financial barrier. 'They've been helping us for years, and then all of a sudden, you just cut it out. It's kind of rough,' said Fair. Starting this year, organizers must cover all staffing costs the city deems necessary, such as fire and police, to name a few. Previously, the city absorbed those fees. It's a part of a change to the city of Gastonia's kind services policy councilmembers passed unanimously last year. They waited a year, however, to implement this change in hopes of giving nonprofits time to prepare. 'We're looking at a number of, like, $17,000 in order to put this thing on for a week,' said Fair. 'I feel that it's like the city is letting this community down. We're just trying to reach the community, to educate the community, and reach these children to try to help. And he's not alone. Tasha White, organizer of Gastonia's Ebonyfest Juneteenth Festival, said she is looking at spending over 15,000 for staffing. 'I don't have a problem, you know, making a payment to the city. I just don't think it needs to be $15,000 for two days, right? I think we could have a more equitable and more engaging and collaborative solution,' said White. Channel 9 reached out to the city about the change. They released a statement saying the changes are due to the increasing cost of staffing essential city services. The city also said it will continue to support nonprofit-led events by waiving facility rental fees for approved applications. However, without the financial support, organizers said they are uncertain about future events. VIDEO: Vandal destroys nonprofit's van that helps dozens experiencing homelessness
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tracking bracelet helps locate missing people with mental health challenges
A bracelet has been designed to find people with mental health challenges if they wander away. It's called Project Lifesaver, and earlier this week, it was used to find an elderly man who had been reported missing in Iredell County. Channel 9's Almiya White spoke with a mother who enrolled her son in the program. ALSO READ: Endangered alert canceled for missing Rowan County woman Heidi Sargent said her 7-year-old son has been diagnosed with autism and tends to run off. Three years ago, Sargent decided to enroll him in the Project Lifesaver program. 'He thinks it's a watch. He thinks it's pretty cool,' Sargent said. 'We live really super close to the water, and so that was a big thing that I asked him when we enrolled: will it detect the water? And he said, Yes.' Luckily, Sargent said she hasn't had to put the bracelet to the test. However, she knows it's effective. On Monday, deputies used the system to track an elderly man's bracelet who had been reported missing from his home in Mooresville. Detective Cody James said they were able to locate the man in less than an hour, unharmed. 'If they found him within an hour, that makes me comfortable with him keeping it on in case we ever have to use it, that they can find him and everything will be okay,' said Sargent. The program is free of charge. You can enroll by stopping by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office or by calling their number at 704-878-3180. VIDEO: 73-year-old woman reported missing in Rowan County
