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You get a call from a number your recognize and are told someone you love is being held for ransom.


Virtual kidnapping scam provides a scare, can drain your bank account if you're not careful

>> NUMBER ONE, SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS. THIS IS WRAL. >> THERE'S A SCAM THAT PREYS ON YOUR PROTECTIVE INSTINCTS IN IT. A SCAM OR A SPOOF, THE PHONE NUMBER OF YOUR LOVED ONE. AND THEY SAY THAT THEY'RE HOLDING THEM HOSTAGE, DEMANDING MONEY AND IT'S JUST MADDENING. AND AS VIRTUAL KIDNAPPING SCHEME HAS NOW MADE ITS WAY TO THE TRIANGLE. >> WRAL'S MONICA CASEY SHOWS US HOW ONE WOMAN FOR DID THE SCAM. >> IMAGINE THIS. IT'S 02:30AM, IN THE MORNING AND YOUR PHONE RINGS SAYING IT'S YOUR MOM. WHEN YOU PICK UP. INSTEAD, AND SAYING HE'S HOLDING HER HOSTAGE DEMANDING MONEY. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO JUST OVER HEART. HE SAID YOUR MOM IS FINE, BUT I NEED YOU TO GO INTO THE OTHER ROOM. MAY GET A PAD OF PAPER. SHE THINKS MAYBE HER MOM'S IN THE HOSPITAL AND THIS IS A DOCTOR. THEN HE SAYS SOMETHING LIKE AT THE I'M NOT GONNA HURT YOUR MOM. BUT IF YOU CALL THE POLICE OUT, CALL HER THE SCAMMER TOLD HER TO TAKE HER PHONE OFF SPEAKER AND WHEN SHE COULDN'T IMMEDIATELY FIND PEN AND PAPER, HE SUGGESTED PAYPAL THAT YOU START TO HAVE DOUBT WHERE MY MOM WAS A SECURE AND ICE AND THAT'S SENDING YOU ANYTHING UNTIL I HEAR A VOICE AFTER CURSING AT HER. THE SCAMMER HUNG UP. AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO CALL BACK ALL THE WAY INTO ROY SMITH, YOU KNOW THE PERSON YOU'RE TAVR HEART NEXT CALL WAS 9-1-1, AND A TRIPS TO HER MOTHER'S HOME IN CHAPEL HILL. >> 25 MINUTES AGO, I WAS ASLEEP AND EVERYBODY WAS SAFE. >> I'M SITTING HERE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOSTAGE PLAN WITH 6 TRUMP LEAST HIRES AND FIRE TRUCKS TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE ACTUALLY IS FOR HEARTS. MOM WAS SAFE. BUT THE QUESTION REMAINS, HOW DID THE SCAMMERS KNOW THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE 2 WOMEN? WAS IT A BREACH OF DATA SOMEWHERE IS IT MAY BE SOMETHING IN OUR PHONES SIDE CHANGE. MY MOM'S LIKE THAT USED TO SAY MOM NOW DOESN'T SAY THAT. THAT CALL JUST 2 MINUTES LONG. HAVE A LASTING IMPACT. IT CHANGES THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT. >> OUR PERSONAL DATA, IT'S EVERYWHERE. AND I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU CAN EXTRACT IT FROM. THAT DNA OF LIFE RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT'S IT'S JUST INVENTED. BUT WHEN YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO OPT OUT, YOU NEED TO MONICA CASEY, WRAL NEWS AND THOSE OF US WHO KNOW JUST KNOW SHE'S ONE OF THE MOST CARING PEOPLE YOU'LL EVER COME ACROSS. >> AND SHE TELLS US DURHAM POLICE WERE QUICK AND COMPASSIONATE WITH THEIR HELP. ONE OF THE RED FLAG SHE NOTICED WAS THE SPEED WITH WHICH THE SCAMMER WAS DEMANDING THE MONEY DURING POLICE SAY IF YOU GET A CALL LIKE THIS, YOU SHOULD HANG

A scary call was a scam: Would you know what to do if someone claimed to be a kidnapper?

Scary call was a scam: Would you know what to do if someone claimed to be a kidnapper?

Answer or decline

Put on hold by 911, Wake County family gave up and drove to ER

Sophia Bussios

'I do not want to see another one': Tornado cluster spikes anxiety in eastern NC

Tornado cluster spikes anxiety in eastern NC

State employees, teachers would see pay bumps under NC House's proposed budget 

State budget

'Flames just exploded:' Wake County home on fire

Cyprine Court fire

Cloudy Monday, Tuesday brings late rain chances

Rain chances throughout the week

Raleigh police officer no longer with department after investigation, hundreds of cases in jeopardy

A file photo of Kyle Epps (left). Photo courtesy of the Raleigh Police Department.

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Chapel Hill resident Bob Slater was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 68. He shared his experience and emphasized the importance of early screening, a sentiment echoed by a Duke Health doctor following news of Joe Biden's diagnosis.

'Don't sit in a cave': NC man urges importance of screenings after Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis

Chapel Hill resident Bob Slater

A Morrisville man accused of killing his wife pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder on Monday, being sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison.


Morrisville man pleads guilty to wife's second-degree murder, gets 13 to 16 years in prison

Michael Aaron Matthews, 40, of Morrisville

Former Vice President Mike Pence was in Raleigh to help educate consumers about the impact tariffs will have on their pocket.


Former Vice President Mike Pence parts ways with Trump on tariff policy

Pence in Raleigh

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill community is grieving the death of Domminick "Nick" Vetell, the school's assistant strength and conditioning coach for Olympic Sports. Vetell died early Friday morning in a car crash.

UNC community mourns loss of strength coach who died in car crash

Nick Vetell leaves behind his wife and their 2-year-old daughter.

Imagine picking up an item on sale only to be charged full price at checkout. That's exactly what Consumer Reports says is happening at Kroger-owned stores across the country.


Attention Harris Teeter shoppers: Consumer Reports found price when you swipe higher than on shelf at Kroger-owned stores

Kroger, Garner, NC 7-5-18

Raleigh police have arrested Zach Dennis Eris St. Laurent and charged him with two counts of armed robbery and carrying a concealed gun after allegations he robbed two pharmacies.

18-year-old charged in armed robberies of two Raleigh pharmacies

A Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is parked outside the Pharmacy Store at 2411 Landmark Drive.

Facing that uncertainty from the federal government, Gov. Josh Stein says North Carolina state lawmakers need to approve more Helene aid funds since they can get money to the affected communities more quickly.

Stein requests $890 million more for Helene, says federal aid 'nothing close' to what's needed

Gov. Stein in western NC to push for more Hurricane Helene funding 

(CNN) â For President Donald Trump, Mondayâs phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin amounted to a major occasion â meant to ascertain his counterpartâs willingness to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end.

Trump says Russia will âimmediatelyâ work toward a ceasefire with Ukraine after phone call. But Putin seems unmoved

Russia_Putin_US_00444

WASHINGTON -- Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed Friday with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

Biden diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer

Biden Is Diagnosed With an Aggressive Form of Prostate Cancer

A four-part, family-friendly evening concert series serves as a summer showcase in Raleigh's City Plaza.


Downtown Raleigh gets 'Live After 5' starting this week

Live After Five, downtown Raleigh

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99.9 The Fan

A woman was gifted a new home in May. It comes after a North Carolina lawmaker rescued the woman from her previous home, which caught on fire.

Woman saved from house fire in February gifted new home

Esther Jones with NC Rep. Dean Arp in front of her new home

It's hard to find bad ice cream -- but when it's good, it's so good! We have a list of more than 10 great ice cream options in the area.


Where to find the best ice cream in North Carolina

Try a new ice cream parlour

The Hurricanes advanced to the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after beating the Washington Capitals in five games. Here's what day each game will be played in the penultimate series.

Full schedule for Carolina Hurricanes in Eastern Conference Final

Hurricanes_Capitals_Hockey_56597

Strawberry farms in the Triangle are now open and ready for strawberry lovers to come and fill up their buckets.



Strawberry picking near me: List of Triangle area u-pick strawberry farmsð

Fresh strawberries

Don't Miss It

Gov. Josh Stein proposes $891 million for Helene relief, NC House proposes $700 million

UNC mourns loss of strength coach killed in car crash

Raleigh police officer no longer with department after investigation

Chapel Hill  man shares cancer journey after Joe Biden's diagnosis

Debra Morgan's impact: Millions of dollars raised for more than 60 nonprofits in 32 years

Friends remember a vibrant woman; her husband pleads guilty to murder

Video Central

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Local News

Car hit by train in Durham, driver survives with minor injuries

Two men shot in Sampson County, one killed

Driver critically injured after crashing into Ross store in Aberdeen, causing significant damage

RV hits street light on Six Forks Road in Raleigh, no serious injuries reported

New Jersey Transit train engineers reach tentative deal to end strike that halted NYC routes

Nation/World

Trump looks to unite Republicans with visit to Capitol before key votes on tax cut bill

Critics say Trump's religion agenda will benefit conservative Christians the most

Aid workers feel helpless as Israel's blockade pushes Gaza towards famine

JD Vance gives Pope Leo XIV a Trump invitation to visit the US

North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in America. Here are some of the best places to visit in North Carolina.

10 incredible places to visit in North Carolina this year

Bodie Island Lighthouse. Photo: Big Stock

Swimming pools in North Carolina: Search for your favorite public pool

NC swimming pools

Weekend best bets: Animazement, Sugar Rush and Taste of Soul

Sprinkle donut

Foodie News: Cary is getting a new seafood restaurant, plus a major bakery announcement in Durham

Cooking a delicious main course in the restaurant kitchen

Where to find spraygrounds, splashpads in Raleigh, Durham

Splash Pads and Summer Safety

Out & About

Fact check: Trump says his order will reduce prescription drug prices 'almost immediately'

Politifact

Fact check: NC Democrat blames Trump for Google Calendar's removal of Black History Month

Fact check: RFK Jr. says U.S. government is spraying the sky with jet fuel chemicals

Fact check: Is the new Pope registered to vote as a Republican?

Fact check: Did Republicans vote to 'allow' Trump to deport U.S. citizens?

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 15

NC Capitol

NC bill to reform state's foster care program passes House, heads to Senate

North Carolina foster care reform bill moves forward with unanimous House approval

NC lawmakers discuss classroom sizes for K-3 students

NC House seeks to expand K-12 special-ed funding, arts instruction and teacher training 

Family says special needs son was assaulted in class, suing Moore County Schools

Education

Teddy Swims and band surprise Rolesville High School students

Family claims nonverbal student with autism was slapped, knocked down

Teddy Swims to Rolesville High School students: 'Don't be afraid of failure'

Teddy Swims surprises Rolesville High School students to discuss mental health

North Carolina cracks down on unlicensed massage practices in state shopping malls

WRAL In Depth

Local restaurants accused of card fraud at the drive-thru

Customers say their credit card information was stolen at drive-thru

In viral video, woman claims Duke doctor mistreated her mom

Advocates, employees warn federal cuts threaten safety, summer tourism in Great Smoky Mountains

Reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers, Hurricanes meet again in Eastern final 

WRALSportsFan

Belichick effect: UNC football sells out of 2025 season tickets, even with price increase

NHL's final 4 has a familiar feel with teams known for long playoff runs in the conference finals

The NBA's final 4 is set: Thunder, Knicks, Wolves and Pacers remain, and parity reigns again

Panthers rout the Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference final

Interactive 2025 NCHSAA girls soccer state playoff brackets

HighSchoolOT

Statewide Scoreboard: Spring sports state playoffs

Palisades repeats as spring girls flag football state champs, clips Butler

Highlights: West Forsyth defeats Hough in 4A NC Boys Volleyball title

Meet this year's NCISAA spring sports state champions

A new lawsuit claims that online retailer Amazon reversed some instant refunds. For consumers, this could affect your ability to return items.

Lawsuit accuses amazon of reneging on refunds

North Carolina House budget writers are proposing to relax class size caps for kindergarten through third grade in rapidly growing districts, allowing up to 8 more students per classroom in high-performing schools.

K-3 classes could get larger in Wake County under House budget proposal 

Schools supplies, crayons

Consumer reports spoke with a travel expert who shared tips on how to enjoy theme parks with your family this summer without spending a fortune. 

Experts break down ways to save money on vacation

As grocery prices have gone up over the last four years, credit card delinquencies have too, according to a new study.


5 On Your Side: Credit card delinquency rates rising with prices

Woman shopping in grocery store

5 On Your Side: People are going into credit card debt just to buy groceries

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answered viewer questions about how to have a smooth visit to the DMV.

In Depth with Dan: Answering viewer questions to have a smooth DMV visit

WRAL Specialists

Restaurant Ratings: Ruby Tuesdays and Kinlaw's Welcome Grill

Walmart raising some prices, blames Trump tariffs

5 On Your Side: Best Memorial Day bargains on top-rated products

A rare warning from Walmart during a US trade war: Higher prices are inevitable

5 On Your Side

Protecting patients' rights: Woman claims Duke doctor mistreated her mom

Cost to fix lead in Durham's parks could be much higher than state originally estimated

Orange County farm owner charged after dozens of complaints about large party

Durham parks remain closed due to lead, with no end in sight and a huge price tag looming

Investigations

Remote workers are more engaged but struggle to thrive

Donald Thompson: 10 habits to make you indispensable at work

David Gardner: Every business degree should require sales classes

NC TECH hosts an AI-focused State of Tech EXPO

WRAL TechWire

Trump's massive import taxes haven't done much economic damage -- yet

CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon quits as potential Trump lawsuit settlement looms

Trump's tariffs may mean Walmart shoppers pay more, his treasury chief acknowledges

âFinal Destination: Bloodlinesâ tops box office while The Weekndâs movie falters

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Critical shortage of foster parents in NC: 10,000 children and teenagers need homes

Family

Foster parent wants change after state takeover of Vance County Department of Social Services

City leaders discuss upgrades for popular Durham Central Park

Foster parent speaks out after state's intervention into Vance Child Welfare Services

City leaders discuss facelift for popular Durham Central Park

Amazon deals: Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer only $6.99, LEGO Sunflowers Building Set only $7.94 (47% off), adidas Men's Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks 6 pk only $11 (50% off)

SmartShopper

ENDS TODAY: BJ's Wholesale Club one year membership only $15 (75% off)!

Swagbucks Swago game May 19-26

Top grocery deals valid May 14-20

Walmart Deals: Car Battery Jump Starter only $32.99 (reg. $89), Apple Products Wireless 3 in 1 Charging Station only $15.99 (reg. $29.99), Nerf Dog LED Squeak Ball only $4.97 (reg. $12)