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One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead
One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead

Yahoo

time06-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead

One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead. Now she's sharing her story as a cautionary tale to help others A woman in Chico, California, thought she was protecting her bank account from hackers. Instead, she wired $54,000 straight into the hands of scammers impersonating her bank. It all started when her Facebook business page was taken down — and quickly escalated into a sophisticated fraud involving spoofed phone numbers, false urgency and a scammer who knew just what to say. Don't miss Now she's warning others not to trust caller ID — and to never wire money to someone you don't know. She shared her story with Action News Now. Here's what happened to her and how to avoid the same mistakes. Scammers fake caller IDs with spoofed numbers The woman said her trouble started when her Facebook business page was suddenly taken down. She found what appeared to be a customer service number — a red flag, as Facebook does not offer phone support — and called for help. The person who answered said her page was hacked and now her bank account was at risk — and said they'd call Golden 1 Credit Union on the woman's behalf to help protect her. Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Shortly after, someone who claimed to work for Golden 1's fraud department and who identified himself as 'Patrick' called her. The caller ID made it look like he was with the credit union. In fact, the scammers had spoofed the phone number with a false description so that 'Golden 1' would show up on the caller ID. 'Patrick' claimed someone was trying to withdraw $54,000 from her account. He said she needed to wire $54,000 to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) account. She followed his instructions. That's when she got a real call from a woman who legitimately worked for Golden 1's fraud unit. 'I said, 'Is there someone who works there named Patrick?' And she said, 'No,'' the woman recalled. 'And that's when the whole thing unfolded that I had been defrauded of $54,000.' The scammers actually "helped" her recover her Facebook business page, likely as a way to build trust. But as for the money? She told reporters she doesn't expect to get it back. The FBI, FTC and financial institutions involved in the transfer are now investigating the wire transfers. How to avoid sophisticated scams The scammers were sophisticated and deliberate. They built both a sense of trust and urgency. Here's how to protect yourself from increasingly convincing scams. Don't trust caller ID Scammers can spoof phone numbers, emails and websites to make them appear real. Don't assume they are. Research the real contact information to confirm they're legitimate. Never wire money to protect your funds No legitimate financial institution, government agency, law enforcement organization or fraud department will ask you to wire money to safeguard your account. Most accounts are already protected under federal regulations and your bank can often stop suspicious withdrawals before they're processed. Know how organizations handle phone support Facebook does not offer live phone support so if you are urged to call a number for Facebook help, it's likely a scam. Be equally suspicious of phone calls from the FBI or FTC. Those organizations are unlikely to call you. Don't give out personal information on incoming calls Even if the call seems legitimate, hang up and call back using a number you've looked up yourself — like the one on the back of your debit card. Remember, incoming numbers and caller ID information can be manipulated. Still suspicious? Visit your bank in person If you're worried about your bank account, visit a branch and talk to a real person. A bank employee can help protect your finances and is likely familiar with common types of bank fraud. Ask a trusted family or friend for help Scammers often try to isolate their victims and tell them not to talk to anyone else. That should always be a red flag. If you suspect you're being scammed, speak with a loved one. They can help you spot scams and provide a second opinion. If you are scammed, file a report at and the Internet Crime Complaint Center website, Alerting your bank immediately may improve your chances of recovering funds. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead
One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead

Yahoo

time06-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

One California woman thought she was protecting her money — but ended up wiring $54,000 to a scammer instead

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways A woman in Chico, California, thought she was protecting her bank account from hackers. Instead, she wired $54,000 straight into the hands of scammers impersonating her bank. It all started when her Facebook business page was taken down — and quickly escalated into a sophisticated fraud involving spoofed phone numbers, false urgency and a scammer who knew just what to say. Don't miss Now she's warning others not to trust caller ID — and to never wire money to someone you don't know. She shared her story with Action News Now. Here's what happened to her and how to avoid the same mistakes. Scammers fake caller IDs with spoofed numbers The woman said her trouble started when her Facebook business page was suddenly taken down. She found what appeared to be a customer service number — a red flag, as Facebook does not offer phone support — and called for help. The person who answered said her page was hacked and now her bank account was at risk — and said they'd call Golden 1 Credit Union on the woman's behalf to help protect her. Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Shortly after, someone who claimed to work for Golden 1's fraud department and who identified himself as 'Patrick' called her. The caller ID made it look like he was with the credit union. In fact, the scammers had spoofed the phone number with a false description so that 'Golden 1' would show up on the caller ID. 'Patrick' claimed someone was trying to withdraw $54,000 from her account. He said she needed to wire $54,000 to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) account. She followed his instructions. That's when she got a real call from a woman who legitimately worked for Golden 1's fraud unit. 'I said, 'Is there someone who works there named Patrick?' And she said, 'No,'' the woman recalled. 'And that's when the whole thing unfolded that I had been defrauded of $54,000.' The scammers actually "helped" her recover her Facebook business page, likely as a way to build trust. But as for the money? She told reporters she doesn't expect to get it back. The FBI, FTC and financial institutions involved in the transfer are now investigating the wire transfers. How to avoid sophisticated scams The scammers were sophisticated and deliberate. They built both a sense of trust and urgency. Here's how to protect yourself from increasingly convincing scams. Don't trust caller ID Scammers can spoof phone numbers, emails and websites to make them appear real. Don't assume they are. Research the real contact information to confirm they're legitimate. Never wire money to protect your funds No legitimate financial institution, government agency, law enforcement organization or fraud department will ask you to wire money to safeguard your account. Most accounts are already protected under federal regulations and your bank can often stop suspicious withdrawals before they're processed. Know how organizations handle phone support Facebook does not offer live phone support so if you are urged to call a number for Facebook help, it's likely a scam. Be equally suspicious of phone calls from the FBI or FTC. Those organizations are unlikely to call you. Don't give out personal information on incoming calls Even if the call seems legitimate, hang up and call back using a number you've looked up yourself — like the one on the back of your debit card. Remember, incoming numbers and caller ID information can be manipulated. Still suspicious? Visit your bank in person If you're worried about your bank account, visit a branch and talk to a real person. A bank employee can help protect your finances and is likely familiar with common types of bank fraud. Ask a trusted family or friend for help Scammers often try to isolate their victims and tell them not to talk to anyone else. That should always be a red flag. If you suspect you're being scammed, speak with a loved one. They can help you spot scams and provide a second opinion. If you are scammed, file a report at and the Internet Crime Complaint Center website, Alerting your bank immediately may improve your chances of recovering funds. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Alijah Arenas' final game in Chatsworth uniform ends in defeat in Sacramento
Alijah Arenas' final game in Chatsworth uniform ends in defeat in Sacramento

Yahoo

time16-03-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Alijah Arenas' final game in Chatsworth uniform ends in defeat in Sacramento

Alijah Arenas, holding back tears and feeling miserable after missing all seven of his shots in the fourth quarter on Saturday in a 66-53 loss to Carmichael Jesuit in the state Division II championship game, stood in the middle of the court embracing every Chatsworth teammate as their names were read. The emotion and disappointment was visble at Golden 1 Center, and yet he stood his ground in his final high school game that saw him finish with 3,002 career points but back-to-back defeats in state finals. This is an example of leadership. Alijah Arenas embracing every teammate while feeling miserable after loss to Jesuit in state finals. All-time City scoring leader. Remember the moment. — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 16, 2025 Later, in the interview room, his coach, Sam Harris, was even more emotional, unable to speak at the beginning. The Chancellors wanted a win so badly after losing in last year's Division IV final. They had made so much progress, relying on Arenas but getting contributions from others. Instead, Jesuit, supported by a loud contingent of students from its nearby campus, made eight threes and used its matchup zone defense to leave the Chancellors unable to respond in the fourth quarter after being down 43-40. "We were happy to be here, but this is tough," Harris said. "It's a special group. We didn't knock down enough shots." Emotional loss for Chatsworth. — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 16, 2025 Arenas finished with 22 points. "I feel more of the story was effort on both ends," Arenas said. "They had more heart." Freshman Maison Phillips made three threes and finished with 19 points to lead Jesuit to its first state title. Jesuit had lost twice to Crenshaw in the 1990s in state finals. Headed to USC, Arenas decided to attend Chatsworth despite numerous other opportunities from more publicized schools known for basketball excellence. Through his own perseverance and leadership, he helped the Chancellors make history. "We took neighborhood kids from Chatsworth to back-to-back state championship games," Harris said. The tears Arenas had were because it was tough to say goodbye to his teammates. They had become some of his best friends. He tried his best to deliver a championship, but sometimes it doesn't work out. That's why embracing each one for a final time was telling them he would be friends for life. One of those was center Taj Unuakhalu, who had 10 rebounds, nine points and was one of the most improved players. It was Arenas' final game putting on a Chatsworth uniform. He leaves quite a legacy, from being the all-time City Section scoring leader to being chosen a McDonald's All-American. The next time you'll see Arenas' No. 0 jersey will be when it's framed on the wall of Chatsworth's gym, because that's going to happen one day for his many contributions in three years over three seasons of basketball excellence. Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Egypt's Health Minister meets UNICEF representative to discuss cooperation, Gaza crisis
Egypt's Health Minister meets UNICEF representative to discuss cooperation, Gaza crisis

Daily News Egypt

time11-03-2025

  • Health
  • Daily News Egypt

Egypt's Health Minister meets UNICEF representative to discuss cooperation, Gaza crisis

Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, met with Natalie Meyer, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, and her delegation to discuss enhancing collaboration in healthcare, nutrition, and mental health, as well as Egypt's role in supporting Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, the discussions focused on bolstering Egyptian efforts to provide medical aid and humanitarian support to the people of Gaza. The meeting also explored joint efforts in early childhood nutrition, ensuring an integrated nutritional system that promotes public health, particularly in the early stages of life. Another key point of discussion was integrating artificial intelligence (AI) training for children under specific guidelines to prepare them for the digital future. The two sides also addressed cooperation in the Golden 1,000 Days Initiative, a program aimed at improving maternal and fetal health, supporting healthy newborn development, and reducing caesarean birth rates in Egypt. Additionally, mental health services enhancement was emphasized, particularly within primary healthcare units, to foster psychological stability among younger generations, ensuring they are equipped to innovate and compete in an increasingly complex world. This meeting underscores Egypt's ongoing commitment to strengthening its healthcare sector and its humanitarian role in regional crises, working closely with UNICEF to implement sustainable healthcare solutions.

Cultural mesh is key in hiring decisions: Golden 1 CFO
Cultural mesh is key in hiring decisions: Golden 1 CFO

Yahoo

time07-03-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Cultural mesh is key in hiring decisions: Golden 1 CFO

This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Continuing pricing pressures combined with a shrinking financial talent pool has caused many finance leaders to take a second look at their strategies for finding top employees — as well as what skills those candidates need to have. In searching out talent, it's definitely important to find candidates with the right mix of skills, 'but to me, more importantly it's, 'do they have the right culture?'' said Allyson Hill, executive vice president and CFO of Golden 1 Credit Union. The Sacramento, California-based Golden 1 operates more than $20 billion in assets and is one of the nation's biggest credit unions, according to its website. 'As a credit union, we operate a little bit differently than a bank, definitely, so someone that may have succeeded at a bank, may not succeed at a credit union,' Hill told CFO Dive in an interview. Finding employees who are the right cultural fit can help to build stronger finance teams at a time when the accounting profession, for instance, is grappling with critical staffing shortages. In seeking to secure candidates for the finance team at a credit union, strong analytical and traditional finance skills are as critical as ever, Hill said. However, unlike a bank, at credit unions, 'there are no shareholders,' she said. 'Everything that we do is based on the success of our collective membership base.' For example, the 'pure math' the finance team looks at may suggest a certain option, but the best path forward for 'our collective membership may be a tweak or a slight degree change' from those figures, she said. Potential employees must carry that membership focus in mind, she said, which requires critical insight as well as financial skills. As finance chiefs vie for skilled additions to their teams, 'culture' is also increasingly becoming a sticking point — a positive work culture can help entice employees to choose one job over another, CFO Dive previously reported. More candidates are looking to ensure they feel a sense of purpose in their work, making supportive leaders and managers a key draw. As a finance leader, Hill encourages a collaborative approach, including leaving room for independent decision-making with her teams, as well as advocating for working cross-functionally with other departments inside of the credit union, she said. 'I love to challenge my team really a lot: [to] allow them to try and work through problems ahead of me,' she said. Still, as the top financial leader, it's also important for her to have a 'big voice' when it comes to some decisions, Hill said. 'Given my role, I have to have a very strong voice in a lot of different areas bigger than my core area focus, because at the end of the day, decisions that are made within other areas can dramatically impact our financial performance,' Hill said. A key focus for Hill in today's murky environment is 'definitely making sure we have the right talent in the right spaces,' she said. For example, the credit union has broadened its IT and cybersecurity area over the past few years, something that will likely continue to be a focus for the credit union moving forward, Hill said. A 13-year veteran of the Sacramento, California-based credit union, Hill first joined as its vice president and controller. She has served as Golden 1's CFO for eight years, starting in June 2017, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to Golden 1, she began her career at Big Four accounting firm KPMG on the audit side of the house, leaving as a senior manager after 10 years. Hill has weathered the peaks and valleys of the banking industry during her long career in the space. Coming into a 'pretty rosy' banking atmosphere during her first years out of school, Hill experienced the 2008 Great Recession externally and saw it 'really dramatically impact a lot of companies,' she said. 'What that taught me is really diversification, being able to be fluid, flexible, being able to pivot. Don't have all your eggs in one basket.' In recent years following the pandemic, keeping strong controls over liquidity and interest rate risks have become top of mind for Hill as a financial leader, she said. Emerging technologies are also a key focus for the credit union. As a financial entity which has existed since 1933, Golden 1 has seen dramatic technological changes, but when confronting the potential of new tools such as artificial intelligence, it's important to consider how that new tool could impact member experience and the credit union's overall ability to make decisions, Hill said. 'Technology is something that is always our asset, always our friend,' she said. 'But how do we minimize all those touch points to make sure we have a seamless experience for our members, and how can we utilize that to make decisions faster as well?' Sign in to access your portfolio

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