Southern Pines sergeant warns residents about local scam tactics and urges reporting

Sergeant Michael Griffin of the Southern Pines Police Department told the audience that reporting scam incidents is essential for local investigators to identify patterns and stop ring operations. "The more you report it, the more we can build our database and provide better prevention methods," he said.

Griffin listed common red flags: unexpected contacts, requests for gift cards or immediate payments, spoofed phone numbers, and pressure to avoid talking to family or trusted contacts. He repeatedly emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not accept gift cards as payment. "If you hear that come out of somebody's mouth, you know it's a scam right then and there," Griffin said.

He warned of mailbox theft and check-washing schemes that target mailed checks and encouraged residents to use postal dropboxes near posted pickup times, hand-deliver checks when possible and write checks with gel pens to make alterations harder. Griffin described overpayment scams on online marketplaces where buyers deposit fraudulent checks and ask sellers to return the overage, leaving the seller liable when banks reverse funds.

On technical defenses, Griffin recommended keeping antivirus software current, using multifactor authentication and avoiding remote-access software unless the contact is verified. For financial protection he advised using credit cards rather than debit cards and freezing credit reports when appropriate.

Griffin also pointed to local resources and handouts available at the event and invited attendees to call the police or DOJ to verify suspicious communications. The presentation included audience Q&A and closed with door-prize drawings and takeaway materials.