ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – A North Carolina man is facing felony charges after walking into a local bank with what police say was a fake $230,000 cashier’s check he claimed to have purchased on the internet.
Authorities say 30-year-old William Jacob Moore tried to deposit the counterfeit check at Southern Bank in Rocky Mount before staff alerted police.
Investigators said Moore told officers he “bought the check off the internet,” a claim that quickly landed him in custody.
Key Points
- William Jacob Moore, 30, charged with forgery and false pretense
- Attempted to cash $230,000 check investigators say was fake
- Released on $115,000 unsecured bond
Police say check was ‘calculated to deceive’
According to warrants, the bogus cashier’s check appeared authentic but was completely fraudulent. Officers said Moore’s actions were intended to “deceive and defraud” the bank into releasing funds that did not exist.
The suspect was charged with forgery of an instrument and attempting to obtain property by false pretense. Both charges are felonies under North Carolina law.
Bank employees flagged suspicious deposit
Southern Bank employees reportedly grew suspicious as Moore presented the high-value check and requested immediate access to the funds. Police were called to the scene, and the investigation confirmed the check had no legitimate source.
Released pending court appearance
Moore was booked and later released on a $115,000 unsecured bond. Court records show he is expected to appear before a Nash County judge in the coming weeks.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or investigations are underway related to the origin of the fake check.