Author: Danielle Antosz

Three people are facing multiple charges after Florida law enforcement officials busted a massive skimming operation in Hernando County, reports FOX 13.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) began an investigation after U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated a shipment of illegal skimming devices headed to the home of Yunior Juan Camacho in Spring Hill, Florida.

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The skimming devices — which fit over card-swiping devices at ATMs and cash registers — steal sensitive information, allowing fraudsters to clone cards and make unauthorized purchases.

Camacho and two other associates were reportedly taken into custody on multiple felony charges after OALE, Homeland Security and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Camacho’s home.

"This was a very large ring, and so we’re very proud to get this one busted up immediately," Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson told FOX 13.

‘This is going to help us get a much larger network’

Agents reportedly discovered a wide range of devices when they served the warrant on Camacho’s home, suggesting a sophisticated criminal network was in the works. According to authorities, the search uncovered:

• 354 suspected counterfeit payment cards
• Over 150 digital storage devices
• 17 illegal skimming devices
• Electronic components used in skimming schemes
• $47,350 in cash

Investigators also impounded a 2022 Ford F-350, which contained illegal fuel tanks believed to be part of a diesel fuel theft operation. In addition, officials found 17 gaffs — sharp instruments that are commonly associated with cockfighting — adding another potential layer of felony charges to the case.

All three suspects are now facing multiple felony counts for possession of skimming devices, possession of equipment used for animal fighting and trafficking in counterfeit goods.

"This is something that we have worked very hard on the last two years," said Commissioner Simpson. “And we’ve had many busts like this around the state, [but] not to this magnitude. Very proud of that. This is going to help us get a much larger network.”

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to protect yourself from skimming devices

While skimming can happen anywhere, it’s most common at gas stations and standalone ATMs because they are less likely to be monitored or inspected.

Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to skimming fraud:

• Take a close look at the card reader: If it appears loose, crooked or feels too thick, don’t use it. Tug on the reader and if it moves out of place, find another option.
• Check for hidden cameras: Criminals often place tiny cameras near keypads to obtain your PIN. Look for anything that looks out of place; pinhole cameras can be very small.
• Use tap-to-pay: When possible, use the tap-to-pay option. These replace physical card readers and can thwart would-be scammers.
• Run your debit card as a credit card: While not foolproof, it can help protect your PIN.
• Use well-lit or indoor readers: Avoid gas pumps or ATMs in dark or less-trafficked areas, as these are easier for criminals to tamper with.
• Cover the keypad when typing your PIN: Always fully cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This can block cameras from gaining access to your account.
• Check your accounts regularly: Keeping a close eye on transactions can help you spot and report fraudulent activity faster, improving your chances of recovering losses.

The FBI estimates that consumers and banks lose more than $1 billion every year to skimming. As fraudsters get more sophisticated, keeping a sharp eye and using tap-to-pay whenever possible can help protect your finances.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Millions of dollars of brand-new Ford hoods, bumpers and taillights recently disappeared straight off the assembly line into an online market before Dearborn police cracked the case.

According to Fox 2 Detroit, a former Ford Motor employee slipped the parts out of three plants in Wayne, Dearborn and Flat Rock over more than two years, then funneled the loot to a Detroit‑area auto shop that resold it on eBay.

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“When we executed a search warrant … from the floor to the ceiling, it was stacked with brand‑new auto parts,” Police Chief Issa Shahin told Fox 2. The suspect and several associates are now in custody, facing potential charges of grand theft auto, racketeering and running a criminal enterprise.

Details on the scam are still pending

According to Shahin, the ex‑employee removed factory‑fresh components during shifts and drove them to a third‑party shop on West Chicago Street, where they were then sold online.

Detectives believe the parts were listed online within days, generating a big payday for all parties involved — until police stepped in and shut the entire enterprise down, reports Fox 2.

Any item confirmed as stolen violates eBay’s Stolen Property Policy, which states the company “will work with law enforcement in any attempts to sell stolen property on eBay” and permanently remove offending listings.

Since the federal INFORM Consumers Act took effect in 2023, high‑volume online sellers must verify their identities and provide contact information, which gives police an additional paper trail if goods are suspected to have been stolen.

The warehouse‑style storefront and two locations related to the theft ring have been closed while officers sort and catalog thousands of items. Shahin said the department is “working with all of our partners to see if we can shut them down permanently.” Ford’s global investigations unit is also assisting officials.

Many of the details of this investigation are still under wraps while police continue to investigate, but Fox 2 reports all suspects are currently in custody.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How could this impact consumers?

Buying discounted car parts online can be tempting, but stolen inventory creates headaches for drivers and body shops alike.

If Ford invalidates the component’s warranty — or law enforcement seizes the part during an investigation — owners may be stuck with a repair bill and no restitution. Plus, you can be charged with receiving stolen property, depending on which state you live in.

So, how do you avoid stolen goods?

• Check the price against the MSRP. A new bumper listed at half the dealership cost is a red flag unless the seller can document overstock or liquidation.
• Look for original packaging and intact barcode labels. Missing boxes or scratched‑off serial numbers can signal hot goods.
• Vet the seller. Reputable merchants post business addresses, clear return policies and years of positive feedback. Beware of brand‑new accounts or profiles that hide contact info.
• Ask for paperwork. Legitimate dismantlers and surplus dealers should provide a receipt showing where the part came from, such as an auction lot, insurance salvage or OEM close‑out.
• Use protected payment methods. Paying with a credit card — rather than debit or cash — may make it easier to claw back funds if law enforcement later flags the item as stolen.

If you spot a suspicious listing, you can report a concern on eBay and forward the URL and any screenshots to the local police.

While you likely won’t be able to trace the validity of smaller parts, larger parts like doors or engines may still have the car’s original VIN number on them. If so, you can verify whether the vehicle was reported stolen using the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free VINCheck Service.

Stolen parts rings thrive on speed and anonymity, moving inventory before factories even notice it’s missing. A few minutes of due diligence — plus a healthy dose of skepticism about “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” prices — can steer you clear of the financial and legal headache of buying stolen parts.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Breaking Bad fans are pushing one homeowner to her breaking point. Joanne Quintana, the owner of the Albuquerque house made famous as Walter White’s residence on the Emmy Award-winning series Breaking Bad, says what was once a brush with Hollywood magic has become a daily nuisance.

In a viral clip that’s garnered nearly 3 million views, influencer Santi captures Quintana sitting in her front yard, spraying a hose at overzealous fans and yelling at them to back off.

“Back up, cowboy,” she says to one man who edges too close. To another, she snaps, “One picture, then you go.”

Quintana, who lived in the house while Breaking Bad was filming between 2008 and 2013, once welcomed the experience. She described it to KOB4 as “a once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to meet the cast and crew. But years later, the show’s cult following has created chaos and she’s had enough.

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What are fans doing?

Fans from all over the world visit Quintana’s house, often standing on the sidewalk to take photos — or worse. Some throw whole pizzas onto the roof in homage to a memorable scene from the show. That finally stopped when “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan reprimanded fans on a podcast.

“There is nothing original, or funny, or cool, about throwing a pizza on this lady’s roof,” Gilligan told fans at that time.

Others show up at all hours, including one disturbing incident where a package addressed to “Walter White” arrived at 4:30 a.m. The family was so alarmed that they called in the bomb squad.

Despite erecting a fence, visitors continue to push boundaries.

“We average 300 cars a day. Come Balloon Fiesta, hundreds of thousands come for balloons. Balloons go up, they come down. Where do they come? Here,” said Quintana in a news interview.

Some use tripods, walk onto her property, or argue with Quintana when she sets limits. She’s finally had enough and is ready to sell the home.

“This was our family home from 1973, almost 52 years. So we’re going to walk away with just our memories. It’s time to move on. We’re done. There’s no reason to fight anymore,” said Quintana.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What legal rights do property owners have against trespassers?

In New Mexico, Quintana has clear legal protections under the state’s criminal trespass statute. According to New Mexico Statute 30-14-1, it is a misdemeanor to enter or remain on posted private property without permission. The law specifies that a posted “no trespassing” sign at all vehicle entry points is sufficient notice.

This means that as long as her property is properly marked, anyone who steps past her fence without consent may be charged with criminal trespass. However, she cannot stop fans from standing on the public sidewalk or street to take photos. Sidewalks and streets are public property and unless a visitor enters private land, she has limited legal recourse.

Still, if someone crosses the property line — especially after being told not to — she does have the right to call local law enforcement. In addition to legal protections, Quintana could consider further deterrents, such as installing motion-activated sprinklers or planting tall privacy hedges to make the home less visible to curious fans.

Of course, if you’re determined to get a closer look at the house, there’s one surefire way to do it — Quintana listed the house for $4 million earlier this year.

With that multi-million dollar price tag, it’s unlikely a typical family will move in — but Quintana hopes the next owner embraces the home’s fame.

“I hope they make it what the fans want. They want a B&B, they want a museum, they want access to it. Go for it,” Quintana told KOB News.

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A single phone call happened to save a Rochester woman more than $400,000.

Mike DeMarino, the owner of Med City Coin & Bullion, became suspicious when a woman called requesting to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of gold.

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“She said that she wanted to buy about $400,000 in gold,” DeMarino told KTTC. “She wanted 10 oz. bars of gold, which is a big chunk. I said, ‘that’s kind of not the right way to do it.’”

That request immediately raised red flags for DeMarino. When the woman, who asked not to be named, mentioned she was acting on the advice of someone helping her with a “Microsoft issue,” DeMarino’s concern quickly turned into alarm. He immediately called the police and the authorities arrived at the woman’s home before any money or gold changed hands.

“If it wasn’t for a team effort, honestly, this young lady probably would have lost half a million dollars,” said DeMarino.

‘He had me like a prisoner’

The scam began with a pop-up window on the woman’s computer as she was browsing on Facebook. The pop-up claimed the woman’s computer had been disabled due to suspicious activity and instructed her to call a number that appeared to be a Microsoft support line.

"It said, ‘Temporarily disabled your computer for suspicious activity,’" the woman shared with KTTC.

After the woman called the phone number on the pop-up, the scammers began to establish a disturbing routine — the fake tech support agent began calling her twice a day to establish control and create a sense of fear.

“He had me like a prisoner,” said the woman. “He had set it up that he would call every morning at 10 a.m. and afternoon at 3 p.m.”

The scam escalated when a second fraudster posing as a banker at her financial institution joined the scheme, telling the woman that her financial assets were in danger. After a series of escalations — at one point, the woman says, she was told the Federal Reserve and Social Security Administration would be intervening in her case — the woman was convinced to invest in gold to protect herself and her money.

Under their direction, she contacted Med City Coin & Bullion to purchase $408,000 worth of 10-ounce gold bars. That’s when DeMarino intervened.

As the woman described the situation, DeMarino realized she was being told exactly how much gold to buy and was even warned not to tell her family. That secrecy, paired with the mention of Microsoft, was enough for him to assume the woman on the phone was being scammed.

DeMarino and local law enforcement were able to intervene just in the nick of time.

“The tears started rolling,” the woman said. “I was so relieved I had the detective there.”

DeMarino and the anonymous woman are now sharing her story in the hopes that it will prevent others from falling for elaborate scams such as this.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to protect yourself from similar scams

Tech-support scams often begin with a robocall, an email in your inbox or a pop-up on your computer, as was the case with this anonymous woman. In many cases, the scammers appear to be official and may even claim to be part of law enforcement.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself from getting scammed:

• Never dial numbers from pop-ups: Companies like Microsoft, Apple and Google will never contact you with a pop-up and ask you to call them in order to fix a tech issue.
• Don’t download anything from strangers: Remote access software tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer can give scammers full access to your device. Do not let a stranger persuade you into downloading anything.
• Be suspicious of urgency and secrecy: If someone tells you to act fast and not speak to anyone, that’s a huge red flag.
• Verify independently: If someone claims to be from your bank or a government agency, hang up and call the institution directly using a number from their official website.

Scammers often target older adults, particularly those living alone. If you have older loved ones, try to ensure they understand the signs of these scams and check in with them frequently. For especially vulnerable adults, consider setting up a power of attorney or monitoring their accounts so you can quickly spot any fraud.

Most importantly, remind your loved ones that if anyone tells them not to talk to their family or friends, that’s a significant red flag. This woman’s willingness to tell the store owner what was happening — and his quick thinking — saved her hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you believe you’ve become a victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. They can provide assistance and help you take steps to protect your devices and your finances.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In 2023, Nordstrom closed its flagship store in San Francisco after 35 years, leaving some local shoppers sad and disheartened. The company cited the changing "dynamics" of the area and the rising crime as key reasons for pulling out, according to CNN.

"It’s a sad day. It’s a wonderful store. It’s been an anchor in San Francisco," Julie from San Francisco told ABC7 News on the day the store closed.

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"It’s kind of depressing, being a native of San Francisco, just seeing how downtown is kind of going away," Denise Alexander from Oakland told ABC7 reporters at the time.

Now, shoppers may soon have a reason to celebrate. Nordstrom is returning to the city — with a catch. The company plans to open a new “Nordstrom Local” storefront at 1919 Fillmore in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, a move many see as a cautious reentry into San Francisco’s shifting retail landscape.

A new type of Nordstrom

Rather than a full-scale department store, Nordstrom Local is a smaller-format concept offering online order pickups, returns, tailoring and personal styling appointments. It won’t carry traditional retail inventory.

Colleen Delaney, who lives nearby, sees it as a welcome sign of recovery.

"A lot of the stores have been sitting dormant for a very long time. So, as a neighborhood lover, we’re really excited to see some energy coming back into the city," she told ABC7 News.

But not everyone is on board. Dwayne Pugh of SVRN, a local shop nearby, worries a large chain like Nordstrom could increase traffic and parking congestion in an already busy area.

"I don’t think it’s the most healthy addition. I mean, particularly Nordstrom being this big company, I think there could be smaller businesses that would impact the neighborhood a little bit better," he told ABC7.

Nordstrom isn’t the only major retailer that closed locations due to theft and safety concerns. In the last two years, Target, Walgreens, Old Navy and even Whole Foods have shuttered stores in downtown San Francisco, citing rampant shoplifting and operational challenges post-pandemic.

So, does Nordstrom’s return suggest that retail theft is no longer a concern?

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

New California laws aim to reduce retail theft

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 Security Survey, retailers nationwide lost a staggering $112.1 billion to theft in 2022. San Francisco, in particular, became a flashpoint, with KTVU Fox 2 covering shoplifting incidents and security concerns leading many chains to reevaluate their presence in the city.

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom launched a statewide crackdown on retail theft starting in 2025. The initiative has expanded funding for local law enforcement and called for collaboration between law enforcement and the California Highway Patrol in high-crime areas to increase public safety.

According to the governor’s office, $267 million in public safety grants have already been distributed to communities to hire more police and secure more suspects.

Other laws enacted in the state introduce harsher penalties for smash-and-grab robberies, retail and cargo theft and large-scale fencing operations. They allow prosecutors to aggregate theft across counties, expand probation terms, issue retail theft restraining orders and require online platforms to verify high-volume sellers to curb the resale of stolen goods.

These changes could have the potential to encourage retailers like Nordstrom to return. The brand’s move to open a Nordstrom Local is more than a symbolic comeback — it’s strategic. By offering services instead of stocking shelves, the retailer likely aims to avoid the challenges faced by its former downtown location.

Without merchandise on display, the new store is far less attractive to would-be thieves. With lower overhead, reduced risk and a more neighborhood-friendly footprint, similar to Target’s smaller “City Target” concept, Nordstrom’s return isn’t just about restoring its presence, it’s creating some protection too.

Whether this new format will be enough to re-establish trust with San Francisco shoppers remains to be seen. But for now, it offers something many residents say they’ve been missing: hope that retail in the city isn’t over just yet.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The death of a loved one can be devastating for a family, but when a disputed will quickly follows the funeral, the grieving process often turns into a bitter dispute.

Case in point: the Levitt family. Caroline Levitt, a 29-year-old woman who is grieving the loss of her father, has been grappling with backlash from her three older siblings after learning she was the sole beneficiary of their father’s estate.

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After years of being the only child to maintain contact and care for their aging, emotionally distant dad, Caroline was stunned to discover her father had left her everything: the house, the car and over $300,000 in savings.

Her siblings assumed she’d divide the estate equally, but when Caroline refused, she found out why her siblings had lost contact with their dad. One had borrowed money from him and never repaid it. Another cut the father off when dad refused to co-sign a loan, and the third forged their dad’s signature on an insurance document.

One sibling has hinted at taking legal action to get their fair share, but dropped that idea after seeing the paperwork. Now, Caroline’s caught between guilt and loyalty, wondering if honoring her dad’s final decision makes her selfish.

Should Caroline share the inheritance?

There are two things for Caroline to consider here — one legal and one ethical. Legally, if someone leaves behind a valid will, that document typically determines who inherits what. And since the father updated his will and named his youngest daughter as the sole beneficiary, the law is likely on Caroline’s side.

There are a few cases where wills can be contested, which can vary by state. In general, a will can be contested if:

• The person who passed away lacked the mental capacity to sign the will. For example, if they were very ill or suffered from dementia when the will was signed.

• The person was under duress or tricked into signing the will — for example, if they thought they were signing a different document.

• There is suspicion that the signature was forged.

• Another will exists, especially if the other will is newer. In most cases, the most recent will is the only one that is valid.

Based on the siblings dropping the idea of legal action after seeing the paperwork, Caroline is likely in the clear, legally speaking. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with an estate or probate lawyer to cover your bases when an inheritance is questioned.

Now for the ethical side: should Caroline share her inheritance because it’s the right thing to do? While this is a personal decision, try putting yourself in her father’s shoes — say you wrote a will leaving your favorite niece your estate and left out her brother, who was rude and even stole money from you. Would you want your nephew to get a share of your estate? Probably not.

Caroline’s father made his final wishes clear, and she can honor his wishes by simply following them. Of course, Caroline must consider what keeping the inheritance will do to her relationship with her siblings. If she refuses to share the inheritance, Caroline’s relationship with her siblings will likely be strained, if not completely severed. That is a tough decision that only she can make.

It’s also worth considering the financial implications of Caroline splitting the inheritance. To split the value of the house and car, she’ll need to sell these items. Depending on Caroline’s current living situation, she may decide that living in the inherited house is what’s best for her financially.

As you can see, there’s a lot for Caroline to consider as she mulls over what to do with her inheritance.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to navigate finances after an inheritance

Coming into an unexpected inheritance, especially one tied to complicated family dynamics, can be emotionally draining. But it’s important to take a step back and approach the financial side with a clear head. Here’s how to navigate the financial side of an inheritance.

Wait before making big financial decisions

The first rule of inheritance planning? Don’t rush. Wait a few months before making any major decisions, like quitting your job, investing a large sum or giving money to others. Emotions can cloud judgment, and grief can lead to impulse spending.

Secure the funds and understand what you’ve inherited

Before you do anything else, make sure the estate has cleared probate and that you legally have access to the funds and/or property. Also, check for any unpaid debts or taxes attached to the estate. In most cases, the estate, not the beneficiary, is responsible for those, but it’s important to confirm.

Once the estate is settled, consider placing the money in a high-yield savings account or a short-term certificate of deposit (CD).

Talk to a financial advisor or tax professional

Inheritances can come with unexpected tax implications, especially if they include investment accounts or rental property. An advisor can help you reduce your tax burden and make a plan for the funds. Look for a fiduciary financial advisor — someone legally required to act in your best interest.

Decide what to do with inherited property

If you’ve inherited a home, you’ll need to decide whether you want to live in it, rent it or sell it. Consider the cost of taxes and maintaining the home. Home insurance rates are on the rise, and all of these costs might set you back more than you realize.

There’s also the emotional aspect to consider — if you have good memories, you might want to keep the home. But if you have negative feelings about the house, or maybe its location, it might make sense to sell.

Set boundaries with family

If other relatives feel they were “cut out” of the estate, tensions can rise. You may be under no legal obligation to share the inheritance, but if you choose to, do it intentionally and not out of guilt. Set clear boundaries about what you are or aren’t willing to give, and avoid getting pressured into giving more than you’re comfortable with.

Inherited money can be a powerful tool for reaching financial goals — if you manage it wisely. Take your time, get expert advice and make choices that support your long-term goals.

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• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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