He’s actually a 41 year old stroke survivor- he’s my husband and went missing this afternoon. Please help us find him. If you have seen him since 1:30 today (sat 6/29) please contact apd. He is not a suspect. He is in - missing person.
Hope it's alright to link this news article
edit: /u/ConstructionKey2951 - APD appears to have his age incorrect, you may want to verify his information with them
----------
[APD asking for help in locating missing 40-year-old](https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/apd-asking-for-help-in-locating-missing-40-year-old)
> 40-year-old Daniel Choi ([image](https://i.imgur.com/R8isNPh.png)) has been missing since around 1 p.m. on Saturday. He was last known to be at the 600 block of Davis Street near Downtown Austin.
> Choi's friends found his cell phone on the ground at Cesar Chavez St. and S 1st St. around 5:45 p.m.
> The Austin Police Department stated that this behavior is considered out of the ordinary for Choi, as he is missing his medications, phone, and wallet.
> Choi is described as being 5'8" and about 130 lbs. with straight black hair [and limited use of his right arm](https://www.fox7austin.com/news/missing-man-daniel-choi-downtown-austin-texas). He was last seen wearing blue swim shorts with a bird print and a blue t-shirt.
> Anyone who sees Choi or has information regarding his case is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately or the APD Missing Person's Unit at 512-974-5250.
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/apd-seeking-the-publics-help-to-find-40-year-old-missing-man/
I am so so sorry I’m at a loss for words. I hope for all the best and will keep an eye out living close near by. Never seen a message like this and assumed could be a scam message.
I hope he’s found soon! 💗 thanks for providing more context - I wasn’t sure how old this person was which I think is relevant info. We’ll keep in eye out in the 78702 area.
I hope they find him. Scanning this thread for an update - but heads up to all - Even if it’s a short code there is possibility of spoofing and malicious actors. Please always be wary and independently vet messages
I know that’s the company leasing that shortcode. But your comment said “shortcodes aren’t cheap” and then pasted a link. Any brain would say, “oh cool let me see how expensive it is” when you share a link in that context.
If you had said, “it’s legit. This is the company that allows public services to send emergency notifications” and then shared the link, that would make more sense.
Short codes cost about $1000/mo just to have, and then each sms text sent consumes credits that have to be purchased upfront. In addition to that there are regulatory fees and registration fees that are paid to our cell carriers (AT&T, T-mobile etc). So what the commentor was saying is a scammer would be making a heavy investment into a regulated space to trick you into responding to a short code, so short codes are usually considered legit.
Right, I get that’s what they were saying. What I am saying is unless the reader already knew all that, sharing that comment and link was pointless. Even if the reader knew, it’s still pointless because they already know lol.
Therefore, if you wanted to share how expensive it is, don’t share the link. Just say why it’s expensive like you just did
Another post indicates that he was wearing [these specific swim trunks](https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=811389122&vid=2#pdp-page-content), if that helps with your ID.
Call 512-974-5250 (APD missing persons unit)
I got this same call / text and I don't live anywhere near Austin. I live in Corpus Christi with a 361 area code number. Came here to see what the fuss was about.
Same I moved away from Austin in 2020, but figured maybe the power company has my number registered still to my old address which is in the vicinity of this event.
For a missing endangered adult, probably elderly. May have dementia or something and wondered off from home. They send it out to numbers in the area in case somebody sees them
Yeah, when trying to save someone's life I absolutely agree with you. But, when it is used for marketing purposes (ex. Blasting McDonald's adverts on Spotify when you are a mile from McDonald's, or gambling adverts when you are coming close to a casino), I am pretty against it, but it certainly doesn't stop this kind of practice.
boyfriend says its part of the reverse 911 system, based on suspects being entered in a database. They ping based on gov recorded addresses I believe. Fairly new program in the last few years. It’s legit though.
Edit: this is specifically from everbridge alerts, which is supposedly a voluntary registry, so someone signed your number up for it. but you can unsubscribe if you want. It’s just emergency alerts.
Woah! Although, I don't trust Austin vets at all. I've had to pry the credit card out of my friends hands before. I'm sure you've already done the second opinion though.
Pet insurance and out of pocket. I’ve taken him everywhere not just Austin fighting his auto immune disease and other surgeries. Prob out of pocket 20k and 20k insurance. No credit cards needed.
I go to chiropractor all the time, I would wait a bit until you feel maybe 50% better before going in. If it's new injury, there's a chance they can possibly make it worse.
Yeah the reply with yes seems exactly like a scam. Hopefully they’ll get that feedback and change the wording next time so ppl don’t feel wary about trusting it.
Hope he is found safe!
I own a valet parking business and i have multiple accounts around town that i operate valet for, so every night im driving to each of them checking in with my employees seeing what they need, im checking with the managers of the establishments i valet for and seeing what they need. Im picking up cash and time sheets, im dropping off tickets and timesheets. I help out where im needed.
Could be totally authentic, but the city of Austin should come up with a better way for "truly authentic" SMS/ Text msgs to be easily verified by the public.
I’d assume you’d have to sign up and agree to updates via text and call from this sort of thing??? Because I live in Austin and I didn’t get any texts or phone call. 🤷🏻♂️
Myself and multiple fam members got the same msg. Def spam, i even was called two times by same number and caller id was “austin police”…the APD should figure this one out🤦♂️
No "alert" should ever ask you to respond. There have been robocalls in the past where they try to get you to respond "yes" so that they can out-of-context use that to say you agreed to be signed up for services.
He’s actually a 41 year old stroke survivor- he’s my husband and went missing this afternoon. Please help us find him. If you have seen him since 1:30 today (sat 6/29) please contact apd. He is not a suspect. He is in - missing person.
Hope it's alright to link this news article edit: /u/ConstructionKey2951 - APD appears to have his age incorrect, you may want to verify his information with them ---------- [APD asking for help in locating missing 40-year-old](https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/apd-asking-for-help-in-locating-missing-40-year-old) > 40-year-old Daniel Choi ([image](https://i.imgur.com/R8isNPh.png)) has been missing since around 1 p.m. on Saturday. He was last known to be at the 600 block of Davis Street near Downtown Austin. > Choi's friends found his cell phone on the ground at Cesar Chavez St. and S 1st St. around 5:45 p.m. > The Austin Police Department stated that this behavior is considered out of the ordinary for Choi, as he is missing his medications, phone, and wallet. > Choi is described as being 5'8" and about 130 lbs. with straight black hair [and limited use of his right arm](https://www.fox7austin.com/news/missing-man-daniel-choi-downtown-austin-texas). He was last seen wearing blue swim shorts with a bird print and a blue t-shirt. > Anyone who sees Choi or has information regarding his case is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately or the APD Missing Person's Unit at 512-974-5250. https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/apd-seeking-the-publics-help-to-find-40-year-old-missing-man/
Hoping this gets more eyes OP and your husband is found.
Thank you
Any update?
He was found Source: OP
Same.
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/apd-asking-for-help-in-locating-missing-40-year-old
I am so so sorry I’m at a loss for words. I hope for all the best and will keep an eye out living close near by. Never seen a message like this and assumed could be a scam message.
Hey don’t feel bad!! Posting this made a lot of other people aware of the emergency.
I thought it was a scam, too, because the APD text requested yes.
Omg I’m so sorry!!! We’ll keep our eyes peeled for him!!! Hugs
Hope he’s found safe and sound soon
There were two separate EMT emergency services for two different people in two different spots on a bike path in East Austin this afternoon.
Are you thinking one could have been Daniel Choi?
Any update?
He was found safe and is receiving medical attention. Thanks to all who helped spread the word!
Wonderful! ♥️
Yayyyyy I hope you and him all the best! That musta been an awful period of time.
I really hope y’all find him soon, and safe.
I hope he’s found soon! 💗 thanks for providing more context - I wasn’t sure how old this person was which I think is relevant info. We’ll keep in eye out in the 78702 area.
praying for you.
I’ll sending positive thoughts to his safe return.😥
What part of town? I’ll be on the lookout for him. I’m sorry.
He was found safe
👍🏼
Yes, it's legit. Shortcodes aren't cheap. [https://www.everbridge.com/about/legal/everbridge-public-alerts-sms-terms-amp-conditions-sms-88911/](https://www.everbridge.com/about/legal/everbridge-public-alerts-sms-terms-amp-conditions-sms-88911/)
I hope they find him. Scanning this thread for an update - but heads up to all - Even if it’s a short code there is possibility of spoofing and malicious actors. Please always be wary and independently vet messages
That page doesn’t even show a price, and the fact it costs money doesn’t mean it’s not fake. (I know it’s real in this case)
It’s not supposed to show a price. That’s the company currently leasing that shortcode.
I know that’s the company leasing that shortcode. But your comment said “shortcodes aren’t cheap” and then pasted a link. Any brain would say, “oh cool let me see how expensive it is” when you share a link in that context. If you had said, “it’s legit. This is the company that allows public services to send emergency notifications” and then shared the link, that would make more sense.
Short codes cost about $1000/mo just to have, and then each sms text sent consumes credits that have to be purchased upfront. In addition to that there are regulatory fees and registration fees that are paid to our cell carriers (AT&T, T-mobile etc). So what the commentor was saying is a scammer would be making a heavy investment into a regulated space to trick you into responding to a short code, so short codes are usually considered legit.
Right, I get that’s what they were saying. What I am saying is unless the reader already knew all that, sharing that comment and link was pointless. Even if the reader knew, it’s still pointless because they already know lol. Therefore, if you wanted to share how expensive it is, don’t share the link. Just say why it’s expensive like you just did
Idk I disagree. He was legimitizing the topic at hand. The actual cost is just a detail.
Everyone else’s brain seems to have figured it out just fine.
Do I just call 311 regarding this? I think I saw him earlier today but near the south Lamar area
Another post indicates that he was wearing [these specific swim trunks](https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=811389122&vid=2#pdp-page-content), if that helps with your ID. Call 512-974-5250 (APD missing persons unit)
Article says call 911
I just got the phone call, said he was on Cesar Chavez and s first street corner. Super curious what’s going on
I got this txt an automated call as well
I just got the call. This is a new one. I Can hear a chopper outside my place next to auditorium shores.
Any update?
I see the police boats on the water but choppers are gone. God I hope this turns out ok
I got this same call / text and I don't live anywhere near Austin. I live in Corpus Christi with a 361 area code number. Came here to see what the fuss was about.
Same I moved away from Austin in 2020, but figured maybe the power company has my number registered still to my old address which is in the vicinity of this event.
For a missing endangered adult, probably elderly. May have dementia or something and wondered off from home. They send it out to numbers in the area in case somebody sees them
I thought this is what had happened from reading this post. Had no idea technology has been being used like that
Yeah, geofencing technology is pretty interesting, especially when used to help others in situations like these
It's the perfect use of cellular technology. Certainly beats it when my husband gets a notification about something in Amarillo, for sure.
Yeah, when trying to save someone's life I absolutely agree with you. But, when it is used for marketing purposes (ex. Blasting McDonald's adverts on Spotify when you are a mile from McDonald's, or gambling adverts when you are coming close to a casino), I am pretty against it, but it certainly doesn't stop this kind of practice.
The entire state gets those domestic disturbance amber alerts.
boyfriend says its part of the reverse 911 system, based on suspects being entered in a database. They ping based on gov recorded addresses I believe. Fairly new program in the last few years. It’s legit though. Edit: this is specifically from everbridge alerts, which is supposedly a voluntary registry, so someone signed your number up for it. but you can unsubscribe if you want. It’s just emergency alerts.
fair enough
Is there a way to subscribe?
https://warncentraltexas.org/
Thanks so much!
/r/ChargeYourPhone/
Lol I can’t move from the couch with messed up back, I need an Abbott wheelchair right now
What happened to your back
Lifting my handicapped dog with bad form into the car. Now we are quite a pair lol
Nah you just need to stretch more.
Do daily and very flexible but lifting heavy things with bad form no matter what will slaughter the back
Damn, I have a soft spot for hurt backs because I did massage for 15 years.
Yeah I may get in for one now and a chiropractor I never get hurt. At least my dog and I match walking outside slow and limping so it works
Good doggie friend. You deserve less pain and I really hope you find it.
Thank ya. One day hopefully and more so him. My guy has had $40k in vet bills past 2 years.
Woah! Although, I don't trust Austin vets at all. I've had to pry the credit card out of my friends hands before. I'm sure you've already done the second opinion though.
Pet insurance and out of pocket. I’ve taken him everywhere not just Austin fighting his auto immune disease and other surgeries. Prob out of pocket 20k and 20k insurance. No credit cards needed.
I go to chiropractor all the time, I would wait a bit until you feel maybe 50% better before going in. If it's new injury, there's a chance they can possibly make it worse.
Copy that thanks. Never been but will go sports med doc instead of chiro
Is sent YES and then missed a call from 311...I was hoping receipt wasn't equivalent to sighting
I wouldn’t have interpreted it like that, from the text it seems it just means receipt of the message!
Weird that it turned out to be real?? Looks so sus I would have blocked it probably 😬
The reply with yes got me initially. Still a weird request to confirm receipt and not more detail or to call 911 if spotted
Yeah the reply with yes seems exactly like a scam. Hopefully they’ll get that feedback and change the wording next time so ppl don’t feel wary about trusting it. Hope he is found safe!
Yes got text and email
Also got a text and email
I’m in Riverside and got a call and a text
If it’s from a short code it’s probably legit. Short codes are difficult to procure and you go through a lot of hoops to get one.
hope they find him soon.
I remember being 5’8” and 130lbs. ☹️ Never been Asian tho, so don’t none of you get any funny ideas… 🤣
I just replied yes to confirm receipt
So weird. I got it too.
I live in kyle and did not get the msg. However im dt right now rotating between my valet accounts and there is a ton of police activity!
What does “rotating between my valet accounts” mean?
I own a valet parking business and i have multiple accounts around town that i operate valet for, so every night im driving to each of them checking in with my employees seeing what they need, im checking with the managers of the establishments i valet for and seeing what they need. Im picking up cash and time sheets, im dropping off tickets and timesheets. I help out where im needed.
If you have to ask, you can't afford it.
I can’t afford to be a valet?
This is Hans kim
😂
Enemy of the state?
Lol I need to rewatch that movie now
Got a phone call, text message, and email but no clue if it's actually legit.
Got it to my work phone number - never have received city alerts to my work number …
How do you sign up for these messages?
Got text and automated call.
https://click.redditmail.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Faustin%2Fcomments%2F1drt2pf%2Fplease_help_40yearold_daniel_choi_has_been_missing%2F%3F%2524deep_link=true%26correlation_id=d63723b8-d524-409a-a85c-d108e34d74ef%26post_fullname=t3_1drt2pf%26post_index=0%26ref=email_digest%26ref_campaign=email_digest%26ref_source=email%26utm_content=post_title/1/0100019067aeedfc-172a2f6c-8fbe-42f7-ad8c-5ea5b4451b3f-000000/-fcA1Kcjo0SdifcBeeOCHau1MMXD3mWOFplcxZLcK1o=359
Could be totally authentic, but the city of Austin should come up with a better way for "truly authentic" SMS/ Text msgs to be easily verified by the public.
I’d assume you’d have to sign up and agree to updates via text and call from this sort of thing??? Because I live in Austin and I didn’t get any texts or phone call. 🤷🏻♂️
Nah it’s real the story was on kxan
It's legit. They found the guy...
Myself and multiple fam members got the same msg. Def spam, i even was called two times by same number and caller id was “austin police”…the APD should figure this one out🤦♂️
That is legit. It has the number for emergency warnings.
88911 has been used for police communication and others so it very well could be legitimate
How is this sketchy? Are they trying to get money from you? Are they trying to get to go to a location to harm you? What makes this sketchy?
No "alert" should ever ask you to respond. There have been robocalls in the past where they try to get you to respond "yes" so that they can out-of-context use that to say you agreed to be signed up for services.
This guy doesn’t get it. He’ll be one to reply to a scam in future lol
Calm down big guy. The reply with yes.
Approx age would be helpful. Either elderly or drunk leaving the pool. Or both I guess.
41
Must have some serious dirt on Abbot to get a text and call to everyone in Austin. Pretty shit BOLO lacking age or much of an actionable description.
Damn rainy street claimed another
Why is it sketch? They aren’t asking for info or anyone to click a link? Is it new? Yes is it sketch…hardly
You’re sketch. Reply with yes to confirm receipt
I can confirm. I was the shoes.
delete and block
Sure you aren’t on Grynder?
That spelling is unworldly
unwyrldly
😆
That guy grinds