Link to the audio: CLICK HERE
Program Summary
1. As Black Friday approaches, beware of online scams
Holiday shopping, especially online, kicks off after Thanksgiving, but the season also brings with it the risk of scams targeting consumers, especially during Black Friday weekend.
“These ads usually claim to offer great investments, gifts or low-priced goods,” said Bezalel Eithan Raviv, CEO of blockchain security firm Crypto Sentry Recovery.
He warned that from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, one in three Americans could be targeted by scams, so they should remain highly vigilant.
Raviv said scammers often post financial lures through social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, offering to make extra money at the end of the year. They may also conduct transactions through cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
Scammers often exploit the fear of missing out (FOMO) to lure victims into unfamiliar investments or money-making opportunities, and once cryptocurrency is stolen, it is extremely difficult to recover.
In addition, scammers may use social media to obtain your personal information and create emotional resonance in the name of donations to induce you to donate, but the actual funds will flow to criminal organizations.
Raviv recommends that consumers who see these ads should go directly to the company or charity’s official website to verify whether the same offer exists.
As Black Friday nears, be aware of online scams – WTOP News
2. Parking at the airport during Thanksgiving? Things to know before departure
You can save money by taking public transportation to the airport, but many families choose to drive and park at the airports around Washington, DC.
Before you leave home, you can check real-time parking rates and availability online at the three major DC area airports.
As of Tuesday morning, long-term economy parking spaces at Dulles and Reagan were about 80 percent full, while long-term parking lots at BWI Marshall Airport were half empty.
Travelers can reserve parking spaces at Reagan and Dulles airports online, but they must make reservations at least 12 hours in advance by entering their arrival date and time, their estimated time to leave the lot, and their credit card information.
After completing the transaction, the customer will receive a QR code as proof of reservation. If the designated parking lot is full, the reservation will still be valid.
When parking your car, remember to keep no valuables in your car and do not leave your itinerary in your car to avoid revealing your travel plans.
Last week, the Dallas Morning News reported that police at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport have been investigating a large criminal gang suspected of stealing more than 50 cars worth nearly $5 million since February 2023. Police said members of the gang are from Houston and have also committed thefts at airports in New Mexico, Nevada and Utah.
3. The supply of holiday eggs is sufficient but the price is rising
Due to the dual impact of the avian influenza epidemic and strong holiday demand, egg prices have risen recently. The average price of eggs in US cities in October was $3.37, which was lower than the high of $4.82 at the beginning of this year, but increased by 63% over the same period last year.
The American Egg Board said the egg shortage was isolated and could be resolved quickly. There are multiple factors behind the price increase: high demand during the holiday season and a drop in the number of laying hens due to avian influenza. Since February 2022, avian influenza has led to the slaughter of 111 million chickens, including 6 million this month alone. Over the past year, the size of the chicken flock has fallen by about 3%, and egg production has fallen by 4%.
The supply of cage-free eggs has been particularly affected. States such as California have mandated cage-free egg sales, and the pandemic and transportation difficulties have exacerbated supply constraints. The growing demand for cage-free eggs has also increased the risk of chickens coming into contact with wild birds, contributing to the spread of avian influenza.
Experts point out that climate change and extreme weather have caused wild birds to migrate abnormally, which has also increased the complexity of the spread of the epidemic. Nevertheless, the decline in chicken feed prices has brought relief to farm operations, and the egg industry is working hard to rebuild chicken flocks to meet market demand.
4. Manassas High School student reports being attacked by masked suspect
Prince William County police are investigating a sexual assault at Osborne Park High School in Manassas. An adult female student reported that she was attacked by a masked suspect in a first-floor bathroom near the school gymnasium in August 2024. The incident came to the attention of police and the school on November 15.
According to the victim’s description, the suspect was wearing an animal mask, a dark long-sleeved shirt and unidentified pants. He was thin, possibly white or light-skinned, and about 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 9 inches tall. The suspect’s gender has not yet been determined.
Principal Lisamarie Kane expressed deep concern and announced the implementation of a number of safety measures, including limiting bathroom use during teaching hours, strengthening public area monitoring and increasing safety education. She stressed that the school will do its utmost to ensure student safety and provide counseling services for affected students.
The police call on anyone with information to come forward and the investigation is still ongoing.
*****
