logo
CHP issues feather alert for missing Pit River Tribe woman, last seen in Redding

CHP issues feather alert for missing Pit River Tribe woman, last seen in Redding

Yahoo28-03-2025
Police in four California counties are asking the public's help to find a missing "at risk" Shasta County woman who was last reported in Redding more than two months ago, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP issued a feather alert — one that indicates a missing person of indigenous heritage — for 26-year-old Destiny Gomez, a member of the Pit River Tribe.
Gomez was last seen at 4 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the area of Vansicklen Way and Alamine Drive, according to the alert. That intersection is located in a Hilltop Drive neighborhood off Peppertree Lane in north Redding.
Gomez is 5 feet tall, weighs 130 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. She's likely on foot, the CHP said in the alert, and may have gotten as far as San Francisco.
Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know.
The alert went out Thursday evening on social media, and to law enforcement in Shasta, Tehama, Alameda and San Francisco counties.
The CHP asked anyone who sees Gomez to call 911 to report her location. The Redding Police Department asked anyone with information about this case to call 530-225-4200.
The CHP issues a feather alert when local and tribal law enforcement agencies aren't able to locate a person confirmed missing. Other criteria include possible physical danger to the person, or the person has a disability. For more information on criteria for feather alerts visit the CHP's website at chp.ca.gov/Pages/Feather-Alert.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: CHP feather alert for missing woman Destiny Gomez of Pit River Tribe
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New Facebook scam starts with messages from a friend
New Facebook scam starts with messages from a friend

Fox News

time39 minutes ago

  • Fox News

New Facebook scam starts with messages from a friend

Ever get a Facebook message from an old friend, only to find out it wasn't really that friend? That's exactly how a recent Facebook impersonation scam almost cost someone $2,500. A scammer hijacked a woman's account and used it to promote a fake $150,000 grant to her friends. One man came dangerously close to falling for it. We'll break down how the scam unfolded and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from this growing threat. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Jim, a retired tech industry veteran, received a message on Facebook from his longtime friend, Lynda. The message started casually, "How are you doing today, Jim?" But it quickly shifted into a suspicious sales pitch for a government-backed grant. Lynda claimed she had received $150,000 from an organization called "Global Empowerment" and encouraged Jim to apply through an agent named David Kelvin. Although Jim was intrigued, he remained cautious. As their conversation progressed, he sensed something was off. The agent, "David Kelvin," messaged Jim with vague promises of funding and quick delivery. He claimed there were no qualifications, and all Jim had to do was send his full name, address and $2,500 for "approval and shipping." The scammers even sent a photo of a FedEx box supposedly filled with cash. Jim questioned how someone could walk into a bank and deposit $150,000 in cash without issue. "You don't just do that," he noted. Despite his growing suspicion, Jim continued the conversation to better understand the scam tactics. Below is a cleaned-up excerpt from the real Facebook conversation Jim had with the impersonator. This transcript not only shows how these scams work, but also highlights how subtle the manipulation can be. Lynda: How are you doing today, Jim?Jim: I'm well. How are you and Ken?Lynda: Good! I hope you've heard my good news?Jim: No... Are you pregnant? What's the news?Lynda: It's about Global Empowerment. They're giving out $150,000 in support funds. I received mine already. Are you aware of the program?Jim: No, but I'd like to be. Can you send the info? Milena and I will be in the U.S. soon, and we're interested in Yes, you can. Here's the agent's email: [email]. And this is his Facebook profile: [link].Jim: Great, I'll message him. Should I use your name?Lynda: Yes. Use Facebook Messenger—it's faster. Just say a friend told you about the funds. Jim (to David): Hi David, my wife and I heard about your project through a friend. She said it's for caregivers. I'm interested. Looking forward to hearing from you. Later, Jim forwarded a message he received from "David" back to "Lynda."Jim: Is this taxable, by the way?Jim (forwarding message from David): "YOU ARE HIGHLY WELCOME TO THE GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FUNDS APPLICATION BOARD PROGRAM. GIVE ME YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS."Jim (to Lynda): I sent him my info. Still waiting to hear more. Jim then received another reply from "David."Jim (forwarding): "Congratulations! You qualify for the funds."Lynda: That's amazing! Tell him you're ready. I hope it's a joint What's next?Lynda: Just follow his Did you give him any banking info?Lynda: No, they didn't ask for that. Jim (forwarding): "PLEASE HOLD ON WHILE WE PROCESS YOUR INFORMATION."Lynda: I'm so happy for you, Jim!Jim: How long did it take for you to get the money?Lynda: Just a day after approval. It came in a box via How much did you pay?Lynda: $2,500 for approval and shipping. I deposited the money into my account right Are you sure this is legit?Lynda: 100% real. Trust me. I'll show you my bank statement. At this point, Jim began noticing red flags in the scammers' "Informations"? [That's not a real word. This raised a red flag.]Lynda: Don't worry. It's not a scam. I promise. Recognizing Facebook impersonation scam red flags is crucial for protecting yourself online. Jim noticed several warning signs that exposed the scam: When Jim delayed by saying he would finish the process after traveling, the scammers began deleting their messages. This suspicious behavior confirmed his doubts about the Facebook impersonation scam. This Facebook impersonation scam follows a pattern: 1. Hijack a trusted friend's account: Scammers gain access to a real Facebook account, often through phishing or weak passwords, so their messages appear to come from someone you know and trust. 2. Build rapport by mimicking a casual conversation: The scammer starts with a friendly, familiar greeting-like "How are you doing today?" to lower your guard and make the interaction feel genuine. 3. Pitch a fake financial windfall (in this case, a $150K grant): Once trust is established, the imposter introduces an enticing offer, such as a government-backed grant or prize, claiming they have already received the money themselves. 4. Request a large upfront fee for "processing" or "delivery": To move forward, the scammer asks for personal details and a significant payment — $2,500 in Jim's case — framed as a necessary step for approval or shipping. 5. Use fake photos, urgency and emotional pressure to convince the victim: They may send doctored images (like a FedEx box of cash) and apply pressure with urgent language or emotional appeals, insisting the opportunity is real and time-sensitive. While Jim recognized the scam in time, he worried that others, especially older adults, might fall for it. "The safe days on the internet are over," he said. "It's a jungle out there, and most folks are not equipped to play safety on that playground." Facebook impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but following a few essential steps can help you safeguard your identity and keep your personal information secure. Call or text them directly if something feels off, even if the message seems casual or harmless. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for scammers to break into your accounts, especially if your login credentials have been exposed in a past data breach. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Bad grammar, vague responses, pressure tactics and unrealistic promises are common in impersonation scams. If something feels off, it probably is. Protect your devices from malware and phishing links that steal login credentials. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Once your personal data is compromised, scammers can open accounts, reroute your mail or impersonate you online. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at No legitimate grant or prize requires upfront payment. That's always a scam. If you've been targeted or suspect a friend's account has been hacked, take action right away. Report fake or compromised Facebook accounts to Meta and also report fraud and scams to the FTC. Scammers often gather personal information from people search and data broker websites to make their Facebook impersonation attempts more convincing and to target victims more effectively. These sites can expose your name, address, phone number and even relatives, giving criminals the details they need to impersonate you or your friends online, as seen in the Facebook impersonation scam described in this article. By actively removing your information from these sites, you make it much harder for scammers to find and use your data against you. This process usually involves searching for your exposed profiles, submitting opt-out requests to each site and monitoring for republished information. While no service can guarantee complete removal, using a reputable data removal service or following step-by-step opt-out guides significantly lowers your risk of being targeted in scams like the one detailed above. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Even the most experienced internet users can be fooled when a scam comes from a trusted face. Today, Facebook impersonation scams are more sophisticated and emotional than ever before. Take a moment to verify. Never send money to strangers online. And, remember, your friend may not be who he said he is. Have you or someone you know been targeted by a Facebook impersonation scam? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

Babysitter Orders Food From DoorDash, Unprepared for Message From the Mom
Babysitter Orders Food From DoorDash, Unprepared for Message From the Mom

Newsweek

time41 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Babysitter Orders Food From DoorDash, Unprepared for Message From the Mom

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A babysitter who briefly stepped outside to grab a DoorDash order was unprepared for the backlash from the mother when she got home. In a post on Reddit's r/AmIOverreacting thread, u/South-Eagle-300 said that the mom discovered, via a Ring doorbell camera, that someone had approached the door. The visitor was a food delivery driver, summoned by the babysitter, who said they hadn't eaten since lunch and was developing a headache. The children, both aged under 2, were reportedly asleep at the time. Stock image: A mom shouts at a babysitter in a home. Stock image: A mom shouts at a babysitter in a home. shironosov "The mom told me she was uncomfortable that someone came to the door and that I 'left the kids alone'," the Reddit user wrote. The post included screenshots of the text exchange with the children's mother, showing a rapid shift in tone once the food delivery was discovered. Initially, the sitter asked for an update on the parents' return, noting they were already over two hours later than expected. The mother replied: "We are taking the 10:30 train so we should be home at 11:30." But, moments later, things escalated when the mom texted to ask whether the sitter had something delivered. After the sitter confirmed it was DoorDash, the mom responded saying that she was "concerned" about doing this without asking her first. "I would never be okay with a stranger coming to the door while my kids are sleeping. I really wish you had asked me before doing that," the text read. The mother went on to request that the babysitter double-check that both the storm door and the door chain were locked, adding that she needed to "fully trust who's here." In follow-up texts, the sitter apologized and said that they had waited until the delivery person left before stepping outside and had locked everything behind her. The sitter also mentioned having babysat for other families where ordering food was never an issue. But the parents remained firm, responding that their concern wasn't about the babysitter being hungry—it was about someone coming to the door without their knowledge, and the babysitter stepping outside without informing anyone. When the parents returned, the sitter was told they couldn't be trusted anymore and was subsequently fired. At the time of writing, the post received more than 31,000 upvotes and over 5,600 comments. Many commenters sided with the sitter, pointing out the double standard of leaving children with a near-stranger while expressing outrage over a 10-second trip to the porch. "People are crazy like if you're THAT concerned about your kids maybe you should take care of your own kids: sorry you lost clients that sucks," one user wrote. "I think the fact that she hired a stranger off Facebook to watch them and left them alone with her speaks volumes and she's a hypocrite to complain about food delivery in the way it was done here," another posted. Parenting consultant Jo Hayes told Newsweek that the babysitter's starvation may put the children at greater risk than opening the door to retrieve her food. "If they haven't eaten since lunchtime, their cognitive functions and general physical energy would be diminished, meaning they're in a less-than-ideal position to deal with any babysitting emergencies, should they arise," Hayes said. A third user believed the mom managed to redirect the attention away from how much later they would actually be arriving home. "At least now you'll be able to spot it next time … because there WILL be a next time. It's how these people move through the world," the user wrote. Newsweek reached out to u/South-Eagle-300 via Reddit.

Florida teens' dangerous social media challenge has police warning parents, homeowners
Florida teens' dangerous social media challenge has police warning parents, homeowners

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Florida teens' dangerous social media challenge has police warning parents, homeowners

Police in Florida issued a warning after a group of minors took part in the "door kick challenge," a social media trend aimed at frightening homeowners. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post that five juvenile suspects were walking around a neighborhood in Riverview, Florida, when two of them approached a house. Officials said one of the individuals, who was wearing a ski mask, kicked the front door and fired an airsoft gun. The minors then fled the area. Deputies said the "door kick challenge" could turn into a dangerous situation and encouraged parents to talk to their children. Deadly Social Media Trend Threatens Kids, Homeowners Defending Themselves: 'Children Are Going To Get Killed' "The door kick challenge is a prank circulating on social media. #teamHCSO is asking parents to speak to their children about this dangerous trend, which could end in tragedy," the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Read On The Fox News App Video released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shows an individual approaching the front door before kicking it several times, firing an airsoft gun and then fleeing the area. Texas Bill Pushes Strictest Social Media Ban For Minors In The Nation Titania Jordan, CMO and chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, a parental control app, previously told Fox News Digital that teens are doing this social media trend to get attention. "This sort of content is going to get likes. It's going to get comments. It is going to get shares. It's going to encourage children to try to emulate it because it's clout — they gain clout from their peers because of this," Jordan said. "Any challenge like this, children aren't thinking, 'Is this the right thing to do? Is this safe?' They're thinking, 'I want validation,' and children are going to get killed. I mean, just one person who is armed who gets their door kicked in by a kid, and you're gonna have another national headline that is very sad." Fox News' Audrey Conklin contributed to this article source: Florida teens' dangerous social media challenge has police warning parents, homeowners Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store