Moore County Connect Newsletter Issue #104 1/17/24

Mail Theft and Check Fraud in Moore Co. / So. Pines Police Seek Help in Jewelry Store Larceny / New Insider Insights Section

January 17, 2024

Moore News More Often

In Today’s Issue…

🌤 Moore County NC Weather

📰 Mail Theft and Check Fraud on the Rise in Moore County

📰 Southern Pines Police Seek Help in Jewelry Store Larceny Case

📰 New Insider Insights Section

🏀 Local High School Sports Live Stream Links

🤝 Local business Partners

📢 Business Spotlight: Nathan Cherry of Hicks & Associates

📅 Local Events

🎉 Celebrate! Today is…

 

 

 

 

LOCAL NEWS SPONSOR: FAIRWAY MORTGAGE Mike Lenzini, Branch Manager

Mail Theft and Check Fraud on the Rise in Moore County

Moore County residents are increasingly experiencing mail theft, particularly of checks. These checks are stolen, fraudulently altered, and then deposited. This type of crime has risen nationwide.

Banks often miss these fraudulent transactions, leading to substantial financial losses. Community advice includes avoiding placing checks in mailboxes for pickup, regularly checking bank accounts, and using duplicate checks. These incidents raise concerns about the security of conventional payment methods and bank security.

Key steps to prevent mail theft and check fraud include:

  • Using Digital Payments: Prefer digital payments over checks for personal transactions.

  • Bank Check Sending Services: Utilize bank services for sending printed checks.

  • Select the Right Pen: Use a black gel pen for writing checks, as its ink resists washing off.

  • Secure Mail Drop-off: Send checks from USPS facilities instead of curbside or residential mailboxes.

  • Protect Bank Account Information: Keep bank details private, don't store them on websites, and share only with trusted individuals.

While not foolproof, these measures can help deter theft. For more information, visit USBank.com.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert in February 2023 highlighting a significant increase in U.S. Mail and USPS mail carriers being targeted for check fraud since the COVID-19 pandemic. Offenders steal various checks, including those for government assistance, and use the stolen personal information for further fraud, such as credit card or account fraud. For more details, see FinCEN.gov.

West End Presbyterian Church will host a Frauds and Scams discussion on Tuesday, January 23, at 4:45pm, featuring Michael G. Gorenflo from Gorenflo Law Firm, Carrie Barber from First Bank, and David Zmiewsky, City Executive at First Bank. Details can be found at TheSevenLakesInsider.com

Southern Pines Police Seek Help in Jewelry Store Larceny Case

Police in Southern Pines are investigating a theft at Maren's Pandora in the Pinecrest Shopping Center, where items worth $415 were stolen. Photos of a man in a black jacket and a woman in a white sweater with a Louis Vuitton purse, believed to be suspects, have been released. The public is encouraged to contact Officer Jimenez at 910-692-7031 with any information. See details cbs17.com

New Insider Insights Section

We are excited to bring this new section of our newsletter to you. Look for the first contribution from one of our “Insiders” in tomorrow’s issue. Nathan Cherry will kick it off with an insight about wealth management.

Click the logos to learn more about our Business Partners.

Local Business Spotlight:

Nathan Cherry of Hicks & Associates Wealth Management

Nathan Cherry will be our weekly Wealth Contributor in the new Insider Insights section. Look for his first piece tomorrow. Welcome, Nathan!

Nathan Cherry, APMA, AAMS

Looking for financial guidance that goes beyond the basics? Meet Nathan Cherry, the man behind Hicks & Associates Wealth Management, a local family business that's been serving Southern Pines and beyond for 13 years.

Meet Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is not your average Wealth Manager. With a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the financial landscape, he's like the dentist for your financial future.

"Just like we all brush our teeth, we all try to manage our finances," Nathan explains. "But there are things we might not know, and hidden issues we want someone to check for us. That's where I come in. I ask the right questions and address financial matters that many people and business owners may have never considered."

A Family Business

L to R: Debbie Cherry (Nathan’s mother) and Nathan

What sets Hicks & Associates Wealth Management apart is not just the quality of service but the personal touch it adds to every client relationship. Nathan's mother works alongside him, making it a true local family business. Together, they proudly serve Moore County and the surrounding areas, building lasting connections with their clients.

Comprehensive Financial Services

Hicks & Associates Wealth Management offers a wide range of services that go beyond traditional financial planning. Nathan helps with tax strategies, estate planning, insurance, commercial real estate, private lending, alternative investments, and more.

Clients appreciate the level of service they receive, knowing they can reach out to Nathan and receive a prompt response to their inquiries. This dedication to customer service, combined with a diverse array of offerings, sets Hicks & Associates Wealth Management apart in the financial industry.

Office Located at 250 West Pennsylvanie Ave, Southern Pines

Get in Touch

If you're looking for a financial planner who goes the extra mile to help you grow wealth, reach out to Nathan Cherry at Hicks & Associates Wealth Management. You can contact him at 304-671-1298 or visit their office at 250 West Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC.

Would you like to have your Moore County business featured here in our Local Business Spotlight? We would love to share your business with the rest of Moore County. You can apply for your own business or nominate a business!

👇 Select an Option:

 

 

  • January 17

  • January 18

    • Moore County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting - Moore Count Land Use Update 5:30pm Pinecrest High School Auditorium

  • January 20

    • Positive Parenting Seminar 10:30am-12noon Southern Pines Public Library Free Registration

    • Cancer Survivor Seminar 10am-12noon @ Southern Pines Fire Station #82 7850 NC-22, Carthage

  • January 23

  • January 27

    • Furry Fun Run 10am-12noon Southern Pines Whitehall Reservoir Park. You must register your pets. F.r information call 910-692-7376.

    • Small Business Fair (Handmade Local Items) 10am-4pm 405 McReynolds St. Carthage

    • 3rd Annual Moore County Education Expo - National School Choice Week 10am-2pm Sandhills Community College

  • January 29

    • Vass Business Association Networking Mixer 6pm Midnight Bee Supply Event Lodge

  • February 3

  • February 9

    • 8th Annual Caring Hearts for Canines Furever Yours Valentine’s Day Gala, Country Club of North Carolina, Pinehurst. Tickets

  • February 10

    • Casino Night Fundraiser Sponsored by The Women of the Pines 6-10pm The Fair Barn, Pinehurst

    • 2024 Soup(er) Bowl Showdown 2-4pm Downtown Aberdeen

  • March 2

    • Woofstock (Martin Park Fundraiser) 10am-2pm 210 Memorial Park Ct. Southern Pines

  • March 23

    • Easter Egg Hung 10:30am - Cannon Park, Village of Pinehurst

ONGOING…

  • First Sunday of the Month

  • Monday Nights

    • Southern Soul Line Dancing; Beginner 6pm; Intermediate 7:15pm; $10pp at The Roast Office (95 Cherokee Rd. Pinehurst

  • First Saturday of the Month 

A mixed drink containing rum, butter, hot water or cider, sweetener, and spices.