Latest news with #Lynda
Powys County Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
BBC Wales' Lynda Shahwan dies aged 53 following car accident
BBC Wales presenter and podcast creator Lynda Shahwan has died at the age of 53 following a car accident. The car accident took place while Shahwan was on holiday in Canada with her family, according to the BBC. The 53-year-old, who hails from Heath (in Cardiff), created and co-presented Terry Walton's Plotcast. The podcast, which was regarded by the BBC as "one of Wales' most popular", saw the pair give "down-to-earth" advice on growing fruit and veg from Walton's allotment in the Rhondda Valley Shahwan had worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years. Tributes paid to BBC Wales presenter Lynda Shahwan Walton led the tributes to Lynda Shahwan following her death. Speaking via the BBC, he said: "We pass our sympathies on to Lynda's husband Sharif, their two sons and all of the family on the tragic and sudden taking of Lynda from us far too soon. "My last two years of working with Lynda on the Plotcast were the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done. "Our chemistry and her creative talent made every episode a gem of gardening knowledge. Such fun whilst still being very informative. "Her professionalism and easy going manner made every recording a pleasure and brought the best out of us both. "We became true friends and after recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life." Devastated by this news. Lynda Shahwan was one of the loveliest, most talented people I've ever worked with. A wonderful friend and colleague at BBC Wales, who has died while on holiday in Canada. Thoughts are with Sharif and all the family. — Sue Charles (@Sue_Charles) July 22, 2025 Head of Radio Wales Carolyn Hitt added: "Lynda was a very special person. "Since she began her career with Radio Wales in 1999 she made a brilliant impact on the station, on and off air, working across almost all of our output. "For several years, Lynda was Roy Noble's fellow presenter on his morning show, where he affectionately christened her 'The Lily from Caerphilly'. "More recently, Lynda was back in front of the mic once more, this time with Terry Walton, co-presenting and producing her fantastic passion project the Plotcast – just one of the many examples of her creativity and innovation. "We are all devastated at Radio Wales at the sudden loss of our much-loved colleague and friend and our hearts go out to Lynda's husband Sharif – who is also a much-loved colleague - their two sons and all their family and friends." Fellow BBC Wales journalist Sue Charles also paid tribute to Shahwan with a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Rhyl Journal
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
BBC Wales' Lynda Shahwan dies aged 53 following car accident
The car accident took place while Shahwan was on holiday in Canada with her family, according to the BBC. The 53-year-old, who hails from Heath (in Cardiff), created and co-presented Terry Walton's Plotcast. The podcast, which was regarded by the BBC as "one of Wales' most popular", saw the pair give "down-to-earth" advice on growing fruit and veg from Walton's allotment in the Rhondda Valley Shahwan had worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years. Walton led the tributes to Lynda Shahwan following her death. Speaking via the BBC, he said: "We pass our sympathies on to Lynda's husband Sharif, their two sons and all of the family on the tragic and sudden taking of Lynda from us far too soon. "My last two years of working with Lynda on the Plotcast were the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done. "Our chemistry and her creative talent made every episode a gem of gardening knowledge. Such fun whilst still being very informative. "Her professionalism and easy going manner made every recording a pleasure and brought the best out of us both. "We became true friends and after recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life." Devastated by this news. Lynda Shahwan was one of the loveliest, most talented people I've ever worked with. A wonderful friend and colleague at BBC Wales, who has died while on holiday in Canada. Thoughts are with Sharif and all the Head of Radio Wales Carolyn Hitt added: "Lynda was a very special person. "Since she began her career with Radio Wales in 1999 she made a brilliant impact on the station, on and off air, working across almost all of our output. "For several years, Lynda was Roy Noble's fellow presenter on his morning show, where he affectionately christened her 'The Lily from Caerphilly'. "More recently, Lynda was back in front of the mic once more, this time with Terry Walton, co-presenting and producing her fantastic passion project the Plotcast – just one of the many examples of her creativity and innovation. "We are all devastated at Radio Wales at the sudden loss of our much-loved colleague and friend and our hearts go out to Lynda's husband Sharif – who is also a much-loved colleague - their two sons and all their family and friends." RECOMMENDED READING: Sir Tom Jones cancels show and undergoes treatment after contracting infection Meet the South Wales contestant appearing with Rob Brydon on BBC's Destination X Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76, his family announces Fellow BBC Wales journalist Sue Charles also paid tribute to Shahwan with a post on X (formerly Twitter). She posted: "Devastated by this news. Lynda Shahwan was one of the loveliest, most talented people I've ever worked with. "A wonderful friend and colleague at BBC Wales, who has died while on holiday in Canada. Thoughts are with Sharif and all the family."
South Wales Argus
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
BBC Wales' Lynda Shahwan dies aged 53 following car accident
The car accident took place while Shahwan was on holiday in Canada with her family, according to the BBC. The 53-year-old, who hails from Heath (in Cardiff), created and co-presented Terry Walton's Plotcast. The podcast, which was regarded by the BBC as "one of Wales' most popular", saw the pair give "down-to-earth" advice on growing fruit and veg from Walton's allotment in the Rhondda Valley Shahwan had worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years. Tributes paid to BBC Wales presenter Lynda Shahwan Walton led the tributes to Lynda Shahwan following her death. Speaking via the BBC, he said: "We pass our sympathies on to Lynda's husband Sharif, their two sons and all of the family on the tragic and sudden taking of Lynda from us far too soon.
Fox News
15 hours ago
- Business
- 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.
North Wales Live
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Welsh BBC presenter dies in crash as loving tributes paid
A BBC presenter has tragically died in a crash while on holiday. Mum-of-two Lynda Shahwan, 53, died in a crash while on a family holiday in Canada. BBC Wales described the Radio Wales producer and presenter as a "very special person". Her colleagues at Radio Wales described the loss as "sudden" and something they "just cannot process". Mrs Shahwan, who lived in Heath, Cardiff, is remembered as the creative force behind one of Wales' most popular podcasts, "Terry Walton's Plotcast". She co-presented the podcast that explores and documents the joys of allotment life on a Rhondda hillside. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Mrs Shahwan worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years, and her team of friends and colleagues say they are devastated by this loss. Mr Walton told BBC Wales: "My last two years of working with Lynda on the Plotcast were the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done. "Our chemistry and her creative talent made every episode a gem of gardening knowledge. Such fun whilst still being very informative," reports WalesOnline. He added: "Her professionalism and easy going manner made every recording a pleasure and brought the best out of us both. We became true friends and after recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life." Head of Radio Wales Carolyn Hitt described Mrs Shahwan as "a very special person." She said: "Since she began her career with Radio Wales in 1999 she made a brilliant impact on the station, on and off air, working across almost all of our output. "For several years, Lynda was Roy Noble's fellow presenter on his morning show, where he affectionately christened her 'The Lily from Caerphilly'. More recently, Lynda was back in front of the mic once more, this time with Terry Walton, co-presenting and producing her fantastic passion project the Plotcast – just one of the many examples of her creativity and innovation." Ms Hitt added: "We are all devastated at Radio Wales at the sudden loss of our much-loved colleague and friend and our hearts go out to Lynda's husband Sharif - who is also a much-loved colleague - their two sons and all their family and friends." Roy Noble added: "Our feelings of condolence go to Lynda's family, Sharif and the boys. It was a sudden, sudden loss to them and something we in Radio Wales cannot process. "Her legacy will be always, always remembered."
