ICYMI

ICYMI: Virtual Kidnapping, Publix Hero

Here are some of the top stories from the past week you may have missed from NBC 6 News:

Virtual Kidnapping: What It is and How to Avoid Falling for This Dangerous Digital Trap

Although the virtual kidnapping scam is nothing new, law enforcement agencies say it's on the rise. "There has been an uptick, but unfortunately it's the world that we live in now. We live by technology and the more that we’re involved with technology the more that we're vulnerable," said Detective Mark Moretti of the Miramar Police Department. During these phone scams, a victim is told his or her family member has been kidnapped and a ransom is demanded. According to the FBI, the perpetrators of these crimes are becoming more sophisticated. They are using social media and social engineering to dupe people into thinking their loved ones have been kidnapped.

Publix Employee Honored for Heroic Actions After Plantation Plaza Explosion

They met in the midst of a crisis – Matt Seese, stunned and disoriented, was bleeding in the parking lot of a Plantation shopping plaza moments after a massive explosion blew him to the ground. Christian Garcia, a Publix employee and certified EMT, came running from the grocery store next door to help. He took off his belt and wrapped it around Seese’s leg, which had several deep cuts. Four months later, Seese and Garcia met again for the first time. They exchanged a strong hand shake and Seese said, “I’ve been wanting to tell you thank you, because that was amazing what you did.”

They met in the midst of a crisis – Matt Seese, stunned and disoriented, was bleeding in the parking lot of a Plantation shopping plaza moments after a massive explosion blew him to the ground.

Girl With Rare Disease Stuns Doctors Weeks After Treatment

At 5 years old, little Ximena finally took her first steps. An undiagnosed disease kept her from doing the things children her age typically do. But now, she's being called a medical miracle. Doctors at University of Miami's Undiagnosed Diseases Center said Ximena had the capabilities of a 3-month-old, but with breakthrough treatment she left doctors stunned and her family overjoyed. Just weeks after receiving treatment, Ximena can respond when she's asked her age. It may seem like a simple gesture, but this is a major milestone for the 5-year-old.

A 5-year old girl who had the physical capabilities of a 3-month old stuns doctors weeks after receiving treatment for a rare disease.

Annual 'Give Miami Day' Helps Fund Local Nonprofits

Just in time for the holiday season, South Florida has the chance to give back to the community and support local organizations on "Give Miami Day." Under 800 non-profit organizations are participating in the 24-hour charitable event on Thursday. 16-year-old Derylson Fontaine, a drum major at Booker T. Washington High School, said nonprofits have had a big impact on his life. Growing up in the neighborhood of Overtown, Fontaine said opportunities are rare. But with the help of donations from the Adrienne Arsht Center's arts education programs, students like Fontaine are able to take field trips and attend summer camps without paying a dime.

Just in time for the holiday season, South Florida has the chance to give back to the community and support local organizations on “Give Miami Day.” NBC 6’s Derrick Lewis reports.

Passenger Dies on Carnival Cruise Line Ship Near Miami

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that a passenger died on their Carnival Horizon ship as it was returning to Miami Friday evening. A Carnival spokesperson confirmed the passenger's death in a statement Monday, but didn't say how the passenger died or release their identity. "Our CareTeam continues to provide support to the guest's family and we cooperated with the standard law enforcement investigation when the ship arrived to PortMiami on Saturday morning," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest's family."

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that a passenger died on their Carnival Horizon ship as it was returning to Miami Friday evening.
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