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Spring Hill Woman Scammed Out of Nearly $250K, Police Arrest Suspect in Sting Operation

Issue #249

23 Oct

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 85

📰 Spring Hill Woman Scammed Out of Nearly $250K, Police Arrest Suspect in Sting Operation

🗳 Early Voting Through the End of October

📌 Breakfast with the Mayors

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, October 23rd

Thursday, October 24th

Friday, October 25th

Saturday, October 26th

Sunday, October 27th

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

Spring Hill Woman Scammed Out of Nearly $250K, Police Arrest Suspect in Sting Operation

The Spring Hill Police Department arrested a man involved in an elaborate scam that led an 82-year-old woman to lose nearly $250,000. The incident began in mid-August when the woman, facing issues with her YouTube TV account, searched for customer service online and unknowingly contacted scammers. They convinced her that her bank accounts were compromised and posed as financial institutions and even the Department of Treasury. Over time, the scammers persuaded the woman to deposit large sums into a Bitcoin account and hand over money to couriers sent to her home.

The scam was uncovered when the woman’s bank noticed unusual large transactions and alerted the Franklin Police Department, which then worked with Spring Hill authorities. In a sting operation, police arrested 36-year-old Fang Yan, a Chinese national, when he arrived at the woman’s home to collect $50,000. Yan claimed he was unaware of the scam, though police suspect he was acting as a "mule" with limited knowledge of the larger operation.

Yan is currently being held on a $100,000 bond, charged with theft and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Police advise residents to be cautious and contact trusted individuals, law enforcement, or their bank if something suspicious arises concerning their finances.

Early Voting Through the End of October

If you would like to cast your vote before election day on November 5th, here are the voting locations available in Maury County:

County Election Commission

1207A Tradewinds Drive, Columbia
Oct 16 - 31st
Mon - Sat, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended hours Oct 28-31, Mon - Thurs, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Spring Hill Library

144 Kedron Parkway, Spring Hill
Oct. 21st - 26th
Mon - Sat, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

To help you prepare, Maury Alliance has posted videos featuring the candidates who participated in their recent forums. These forums provide valuable insights into the candidates’ platforms, helping you make informed decisions when you head to the polls.

View the City of Columbia Candidate Forum from September 30th here.

View the City of Mt. Pleasant Commission Candidate Forum from October 3rd here. 

View the Maury County Candidate Guide and see a sample ballot here.

Breakfast With the Mayors

Join Maury Alliance on November 19th at 8:30am at the Memorial Building located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia for their annual Breakfast with the Mayors event. 

Sponsored by John Maher Builders and Fairfield by Marriott of Columbia, learn about what is happening in your community directly from the mayors. County Mayor Sheila Butt, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, and Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White will be on hand to talk about their communities and answer questions. Admission is $25 for Maury Alliance Members and $30 for non-members. You must register by November 12th. You can do so by visiting here.

(Sponsor)

100+ DIY Projects For a Self-Sufficient Backyard

👆 Click to Learn More 👆

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, October 23rd

Josey Clay, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, October 24th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Taylor Barton, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, October 25th

Ryan Keeler, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Ella & Blaine, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
November Blue, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Lisa Law Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
The Bald Kernal Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, October 26th

Braise Killen, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Box of Rox, Hampshire Hills Distillery, 3-6 PM
Willie Van Hook, Don Phillips & Donna Schaucher, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Stevierock, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, October 27th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1-3 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Mary Lou, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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