Pat Brand
389 Country
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a scam involving fraudulent credit card purchases at local automotive businesses. Over the past two weeks, authorities have received two separate reports of a man using fraudulent credit cards to obtain high-value truck and semi-truck tires.
According to investigators, the suspect identified himself as “John Arbor” and placed large tire orders over the phone at two different shops in Hayesville. In the first case, Arbor ordered eight truck tires and was required to pay half of the cost upfront. He used a credit card to pay $1,704.98, and when the tires arrived, he paid the remaining $1,787.98 with a different credit card. Both payments initially appeared legitimate, but the shop later discovered they were fraudulent. A flatbed truck had already picked up the tires before the scam was uncovered.
The second incident followed a similar pattern. Arbor ordered semi-truck tires worth $7,978 from another shop, paying with a fraudulent credit card. A few days later, he placed another order for $5,311, again using a fraudulent payment method. In both instances, a towing company arrived to collect the tires. The business later realized the transactions were fraudulent when the payments did not process. When Arbor attempted to place another order, the shop refused.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is urging local businesses to be cautious when processing phone orders, particularly those involving large purchases made by credit card. Business owners are encouraged to verify transactions and remain vigilant against potential fraud.
Authorities are actively investigating both cases and urge anyone with information to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
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