21-year-old charged in fraud investigation
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has charged Hayden Rain Moss, 21, of Marble, NC, following an investigation into multiple fraud-related incidents involving vehicle repair services.
They say detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division began receiving reports from individuals and businesses who alleged they paid Moss for vehicle repairs that were either not completed or were improperly performed.
In several cases, victims reported paying Moss in advance for parts and labor, after which communication ceased and the agreed-upon work was never finished.
The investigation has identified multiple incidents occurring between 2025 and July 2026.
They say reported losses among victims range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
The CCSO says in each case, Moss allegedly represented himself as a mechanic capable of performing repairs, accepted payment, and failed to deliver the promised services.
Detectives have determined that this pattern of behavior was consistent across multiple reports, indicating an ongoing scheme rather than isolated incidents.
Moss was arrested on July 9, 2026 for three counts of Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 837-2589.
