Morning Roundup: Police say N.Y. woman scammed Clairton man for $19K

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Tuesday, May 14:

Police say N.Y. woman scammed Clairton man

Allegheny County Police have charged a New York woman they say scammed more than $19,000 from a Clairton man.

Detectives determined Rachel Chen, 25, of Stanton Island worked as part of a group that targeted the man in late February, according to county police.

The victim, who was not identified, clicked a link on his computer for a coupon. His computer then malfunctioned, officials said, and a pop-up window encouraged him to call a phone number for assistance.

The victim was told over the phone that his bank account had been hacked and more than $19,000 worth of charges were pending on his account. Police said he was convinced to withdraw money from his account and meet with an individual — who officials identified as Chen — to exchange the money. The victim believed that cash would be going into a new bank account.

Police identified Chen’s vehicle during their investigation. She was arrested for a similar scam in New Hampshire in March.

According to county police, investigators recovered multiple pieces of evidence to link Chen to the Clairton theft.

She was charged with receiving stolen property, theft by deception and criminal conspiracy. She’s currently being held in New Hampshire.

Market Square Farmers Market kicks off 20th year

The Market Square Farmers Market in Downtown Pittsburgh will begin its 20th season this week.

Beginning this week, the market will be open Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Shoppers will find regionally grown produce, organic products, small-batch foods and other merchandise from more than 30 vendors. Local musicians will perform each week.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will be handing out hundreds of free daffodil bulbs on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last for the market’s opening day.

Just Harvest will be providing its Fresh Access program that allows shoppers to use food stamps — and credit or debit cards — to buy fresh, locally grown food. The initiative also provides food stamp shoppers with an extra $2 to spend on fruits and vegetables for every $5 they spend in food stamps.

Pittsburgh Zoo seeks suggestions for new mascot’s name

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has a new mascot — a red panda, who zoo officials are hoping the public will help name.

People can submit name ideas online with a donation of at least $1 to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE Red Panda conservation program, which coordinates zoos nationwide with conservation efforts.

The zoo’s red pandas — Zia and Marcy — are among its most popular residents, making the species a “highly appropriate ambassador” to serve as a mascot, the zoo said. Red pandas are an endangered species, and the mascot will signify the zoo’s commitment to conservation.

There are as few as 2,500 red pandas left in the wild, as the species has seen a 50% decline in its population over the past two decades, zoo officials said. The animals have highly specialized diets and ecological niches, making them more vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.

The new mascot dons the animal’s distinctive red fur and striped, fluffy tail.

Name suggestions will be accepted till Friday. Zoo staff will announce the winner on May 31.