Atlanta, GA
Atlanta's 'water boys' accused of using Cash App to scam more drivers
More victims of water bottle scams come forward
Atlanta’s water boys are accused of using Cash App to scam drivers out of a lot of money. This week alone, two victims have come forward saying they were robbed of more than a thousand dollars. They say they only meant to send a few bucks to the teens, who sell water at intersections throughout the city.
ATLANTA – It was a bottle of water that cost Tristen Richardson $1,000.
She said she tried to give Atlanta’s infamous “water boys” money using Cash App, but they took advantage of her kindness.
“One of the boys came up to my window,” Richardson said.
But she didn’t have any cash, so she offered to send them two dollars on Cash App.
“He took the phone. He was like, nah, let me just, let me just type in the right [username],” Richardson said. “When he gave the phone back to me and I sent the payment, it was $1,100.”
What we know:
Richardson reported the theft to Atlanta Police investigators, who were unable to immediately provide details on the case.
“My heart sank because I was like, oh my God, that’s like a big chunk of money,” she said.
And she’s not alone.
On Monday, a man reportedly lost a thousand dollars at that same exact intersection, with the water boys using the same exact tactic, according to a police report.
Earlier this month, FOX 5 reported on a woman who was losing $800 through a QR code provided by a group of water boys off of Interstate 20 and Joseph E. Lowery Blvd.
The backstory:
The emotional TikTok Richardson made right after the incident has gone viral.
“I had so many comments on my video of people saying, that’s the oldest trick in the book,” Richardson, who lives in Locust Grove, said. “I’ve never heard of that trick. Like, I live in the suburbs. I was raised in the suburbs.”
What they’re saying:
“If you’re in Atlanta and you pass by the water boys, I wouldn’t even press my finger on the roll-down window button,” Richardson said. “Don’t even bother.”
What’s next:
Richardson filed a police report with APD. She says she’s in the process of disputing the transaction with Cash App — but that could take weeks.
She has started an online fundraiser after sharing her misfortune, which she said will more than cover her losses.
The company did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
SEE ALSO:
The Source: FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo spoke with Tristen Richardson, who says she was scammed out of more than a thousand dollars by a boy on the street selling water.
Mayor Andre Dickens is set to announce a new emergency effort Thursday to help Atlanta residents who may soon face food insecurity if federal food benefits are disrupted.
The mayor will be joined by Atlanta Community Food Bank President and CEO Kyle Wade, Goodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe-Houston, and Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson for the announcement at noon at the Atlanta Community Food Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
City officials say the initiative aims to assist residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides vital food support to thousands of Atlantans, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, children, and working families.
The announcement comes as concerns grow over a potential lapse in federal SNAP funding that could leave many without access to essential food assistance. Dickens and community leaders are expected to outline how Atlanta plans to respond if federal aid is interrupted on Nov. 1.
The season rolls on tonight for the Atlanta Hawks and they are hoping to snap a small two game losing streak when they face the Brooklyn Nets tonight.
The Hawks have gotten off to a disappointing start this season, going 1-3 in their first four games and dropping a game on Monday against the Chicago Bulls. Brooklyn meanwhile has started 0-4 and looked about how we all thought they would at the start of the season.
While no NBA game is a must-win in October, it would not be good for the Hawks if they dropped this game. They would fall to 1-4, and after being talked about as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference before the season, the pressure would start to mount on this group.
So what is plaguing the Hawks in their first four games? Our own Rohan Raman took a deeper look at the numbers in today’s preview:
“The Hawks’ offense is steadily taking steps forward. They’re 25th in points, 21st in FG%, 21st in 3P%, 18th in FT%, 28th in rebounds (21st in OREB), 10th in assists and 4th in turnovers per game. Despite the poor numbers, Atlanta just broke 120+ points during their game with Chicago against a very tough Bulls defense. Trae Young teams have also been a virtual lock for above-average offensive production throughout his career, so expect the Hawks to keep climbing up the offensive rankings.
Their transition defense and rim protection continue to hold them back on defense and the Bulls just torched them from deep. On a per-game basis, Atlanta ranks 20th in points allowed, 27th in FG% allowed, 7th in 3P% allowed, 27th in rebounds allowed, 23rd in steals and 18th in blocks. So far, the improvements they’ve theoretically made to the defense have not shone through.
Despite their record, the Nets are a thoroughly mediocre offense. They rank 21st in points, 19th in FG%, 14th in 3P%, 12th in FT%, 30th in rebounds (12th in OREB), 17th in assists and 13th in turnovers per game. Brooklyn has legitimate scoring options like Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr, but they sorely lack the high-level shotmaking or passing necessary for offensive consistency.
The defense has been the real struggle. While the Hawks’ defense has been bad, the Nets’ defense is catastrophic. They’re 30th in points allowed, 30th in FG% allowed, 30th in 3P% allowed, 10th in rebounds allowed, 26th in steals and 30th in blocks. They have no real perimeter defense to speak of and that’s led to opposing lineups getting whatever they want against Brooklyn’s defense.”
Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be favored on the road tonight, as the Nets are currently 7.5 point favorites according to the latest odds from the Fanduel Sportsbook, and the over/under is set at 238.5.
I think the Hawks win this game and win it comfortably tonight. They are more talented and need the game more than Brooklyn.
Final Score: Atlanta 130, Nets 116 (ATL -7.5 and Over)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Federal shutdown a month later and no deal in sight
The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 with many users of government subsidized programs about to lose all funding and pause payments. This will cause a ripple effect across Georgia. Here’s the latest on the impact in the Peach State.
ATLANTA – If your SNAP benefits aren’t reloaded in November because of the federal government shutdown, there are places in North Georgia already preparing to help, even if this is your first time asking for help.
These organizations support families with groceries, emergency food boxes, baby supplies, and in some cases, housing or utility aid.
WANT TO DONATE INSTEAD?
What you can do:
Metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton)
Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) — serves families in 29 counties
• Helps with: emergency food pantries, mobile markets, partner churches and community drop-off sites
• How to find food right now: https://www.acfb.org/need-help
• SNAP help is also available — they have staff who help with re-enrollment if benefits stop.
Hosea Helps (Atlanta & Southside) — emergency food, hot meals, seniors, crisis support
• Helps with: prepared meals, food boxes, seniors, single parents, urgent survival needs
• Contact / get help: https://4hosea.org/get-help
HOPE Atlanta — crisis housing + hunger relief, formerly Action Ministries
• Helps with: food, meal assistance, hotel/shelter placement, family stability services
• Get help here: https://hopeatlanta.org/get-help
Salvation Army Metro Atlanta
• Helps with: food pantries, emergency assistance, utility aid, temporary shelter
• Find your local service center: https://salvationarmyatlanta.org/gethelp
North Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall, and Cherokee counties
North Fulton Community Charities (Roswell / Alpharetta)
• Helps with: food pantry, diapers, rent/utility support for North Fulton residents
• Request assistance: https://nfcchelp.org/get-help
The Place of Forsyth
• Helps with: food market, rent help, senior services, crisis support
• Assistance info: https://www.theplaceofforsyth.org/get-help
Meals by Grace (Forsyth & Dawson)
• Helps with: FREE grocery delivery for families without transportation
• Sign up or request food: https://mealsbygrace.org/need-help
Georgia Mountain Food Bank (Hall + North Georgia counties)
• Helps with: partner food pantries and drive-through distributions
• Find help near you: https://www.gamountainfoodbank.org/find-help
Henry, Fayette, Coweta, Rockdale, and Douglas counties
Real Life Center (Peachtree City / Fayette County)
• Helps with: weekly food market, hygiene supplies, long-term stabilization programs
• Help details: https://reallifecenter.org/assistance
Helping In His Name Ministries (Henry County)
• Helps with: groceries for Henry County residents, no income required — must show ID
• Assistance info: https://www.hihn.org/need-help
One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach (Coweta County)
• Helps with: groceries, emergency housing referrals, clothing
• Start here: https://oneroofoutreach.org/need-help
Rockdale Emergency Relief (Conyers / Rockdale County)
• Helps with: food, hygiene, and emergency utility assistance
• Get help: https://rockdaleemergencyrelief.org/programs
Athens and surrounding areas
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia (Athens & Clayton)
• Helps with: local food pantries, mobile food drop-offs, SNAP assistance
• Find help: https://foodbanknega.org/get-help
Columbus and West Georgia
Feeding The Valley Food Bank (Columbus + rural West Georgia counties)
• Helps with: partner churches & food pantries that serve families directly
• Find food now: https://www.feedingthevalley.org/find-food
Other resources
United Way 211 — call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211.org
• Live operators will connect you to your nearest open pantry or emergency assistance program
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) — for pregnant women, babies, and children up to age 5
• Eligibility + apply: https://dph.georgia.gov/WIC
The Source: The details in this article come from the individual organizations listed above. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used.
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