Category Archives: Counterfeit Checks

Counterfeit Checks

01.21.16
by

OCC Counterfeit Check Notice: Edgartown National Bank, Edgartown, MA

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Ensuring a safe and sound Federal Banking System for All Americans
Alert 2016-1
Subject: Counterfeit Official Checks
Date: January 14, 2016
Description: Edgartown National Bank
Counterfeit Official Checks of Edgartown National Bank, Edgartown, Mass.

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that two variations of counterfeit official checks using a correct routing number of 0113056854 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various online auction scams.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

Variation #1

    • The checks are light blue in color and contain a darker blue straight-edged border.
    • The following security statement is located within the top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
    • A padlock icon and the words “Security features” are printed along the right-hand border.
    • The following security statement appears on the back of the check within a text box:
    • “THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SECURITY FEATURES:
    • ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES MAY INDICATE ALTERATION.
    • PADLOCK DESIGN IS A CERTIFICATION MARK OF THE CHECK PAYMENT SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION.”
      • INVISIBLE FLUORESCENT FIBERS
      • THREE-STAIN SET
      • UV DULL
      • MICRO PRINT

Variation #2

    • The checks are light blue in color and contain a decorative dark-blue border.
    • The following security statement is located within a dark top border: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND HIGH RESOLUTION BORDER. THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”

Counterfeit checks presented to date are missing the bank’s telephone number of (508) 627-1100 under the bank’s logo. Checks have been made payable in varying amounts and have contained a remitter name of Matt Btiner, Ericka Williams, Terry Hutchison, or Matthew Johnson. All checks have been sent to potential victims by 2nd-day overnight mail service.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on Edgartown National Bank, please contact Vice President of Retail Branch Administration and Security Officer Tilma Zyla by mail at 2 S. Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539; by telephone at (508) 627-1118; by fax at (508) 627-1133; or by e-mail at tzyla@yourislandbank.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
    • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
    • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Special Supervision Division

400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12

Washington, DC 20219

Phone: (202) 649-6450

Fax: (571) 293-4925

www.occ.gov

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

Link:

OCC Counterfeit Check Notice

 

12.24.15
by

OCC Catches Grinch #2: Counterfeit Checks drawn on Carrollton Federal Bank, Carrollton, KY

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Ensuring a safe and sound Federal Banking System for All Americans
Alert 2015-19
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks
Date: December 23, 2015
Description: Carrollton Federal Bank
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of Carrollton Federal Bank, Carrollton, Ky.

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that three variations of counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 061103056 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various online scams.

The counterfeit checks may or may not resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

Variation #1

    • The checks contain a light-blue marbled background.
    • The following security statement is located within a dark-blue top border: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER.”
    • The abbreviated routing number appearing beneath the check number is typed as 64-305/611 on one line.
    • The following security statement appears along the bottom of the check between two security padlock icons: “SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK.”

Variation #2

    • The checks are of unknown color.
    • The following security statement is located within a dark top border: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER.”
    • The “For” line contains the following note: “EAGLE SHIPPING LLC.”

Variation #3

    • The checks are of unknown color and contain an ornate border.
    • The bank’s logo is not included on the face of the check.
    • The checks are handwritten.
    • The “For” line may contain the following note: “For Services Rendered”

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts, contain the authorized signatures of Barbara Boswell and Joey Ginn, and have been delivered to potential victims by some form of express delivery.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on Carrollton Federal Bank, please contact Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lisa Flannery by mail at P.O. Box 389, Carrollton, KY 41008, by telephone at (502) 732-4272, ext. 112, by fax at (502) 732-4274, or by e-mail at lflannery@carrolltonfederalbank.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
    • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
    • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Special Supervision Division

400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12

Washington, DC 20219

Phone: (202) 649-6450

Fax: (571) 293-4925

www.occ.gov

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.

Ellen M. Warwick

Director for Enforcement and Compliance

Link:

OCC Notice

 

12.24.15
by

OCC catches Grinch #1: Counterfeit Checks for First National Bank, Davenport, IA

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Ensuring a safe and sound Federal Banking System for All Americans
Alert 2015-18
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks
Date: December 23, 2015
Description: First National Bank
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of First National Bank, Davenport, Iowa

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 071122564 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various online scams.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

    • The checks are light blue in color and contain a darker-blue top border.
    • The following security statement is located within the top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts, contain a remitter name of Frank David, and contain authorized signatures of Ruth Heisley and Naomi M. Sparacello.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on First National Bank, please contact Senior Vice President, Compliance, and Bank Secrecy Act Officer Naomi M. Sparacello by mail at 3717 N. Brady St., Davenport, IA 52806, by telephone at (563) 388-4925, or by e-mail at naomi.sparacello@firstnationalbanks.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
    • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
    • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Special Supervision Division

400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12

Washington, DC 20219

Phone: (202) 649-6450

Fax: (571) 293-4925

www.occ.gov

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.

Ellen M. Warwick

Director for Enforcement and Compliance

Link:

OCC Notice

 

12.15.15
by

OCC Counterfeit Alert: Banc of California, Irvine, CA

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Ensuring a safe and sound Federal Banking System for All Americans

Alert 2015-17
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks
Date: December 1, 2015
Description: Banc of California, N.A.

Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Banc of California, N.A., Irvine, Calif.

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that two versions of counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 322274527 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with online employment scams.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

Version #1

    • The checks contain a light blue marbled background.
    • The following security statement is located within a dark top border: “TO VERIFY AUTHENTICIY, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DESCRIPTION OF THE 13 SECURITY FEATURES.”
    • The bank’s address located beneath the bank’s logo in the top-left corner is void of punctuation between the suite number and city.
    • A heat-sensitive security feature is located in the bottom-center portion of the checks.

Version #2

    • The checks contain a light blue background.
    • The following security statement is located within a darker blue top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
    • A security padlock icon and statement appear in the right border of the checks.

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts between $1,480 and $8,800, and contain remitter names of Donald Adams, Paul Burrigt, Jessica Fonseca, James Foster, Chris Harding, Jerry Lambert, Jeanette Maldonado, Henry Malls, and Mark Williams.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on Banc of California, N.A., please contact Operational Risk Management and Fraud Risk Officer Lucy Aguilar by mail at 18500 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1100, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone at (714) 864-5168, or by e-mail at lucy.aguilar@bancofcal.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
    • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
    • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Special Supervision Division

400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12

Washington, DC 20219

Phone: (202) 649-6450

Fax: (571) 293-4925

www.occ.gov

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.

Ellen M. Warwick

Director for Enforcement and Compliance
Link:

OCC Counterfeit Alert

 

11.04.15
by

OCC Counterfeit Alert: First Federal Bank of Ohio, Galion, OH

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Ensuring a safe and sound Federal Banking System for All Americans
Alert 2015-16
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Date: October 19, 2015
Description: First Federal Bank of Ohio
Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of First Federal Bank of Ohio, Galion, Ohio

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 042000314 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with online employment scams, which require the potential victim to wire transfer funds to a third party.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

    • The checks contain the following security statement within a dark blue top border: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICRPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”
    • The following notice appears (exactly as typed) above the authorized signature lines:
    • DRAWEE: First Federal Bank of Ohio
    • TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED OVER $5, 000.00

Counterfeit checks presented to date have included a serial number beginning with the series number of 808 have been made payable in amounts between $1,680.65 and $2,880.45, and contain remitter names of Steve Brown, Raymond Carter, or Cindy Light.

E-mail correspondence initiating this scam may contain the name of Steve Brown, and e-mail address of [stevehkland@outlook.com], and a telephone number of (484) 212-1930.

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit check may be signed by “Premier Research Group Inc.” and contain a cellphone number of (269) 533-4061 where text messages are to be sent.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on First Federal Bank of Ohio, please contact Assistant Treasurer/Bookkeeping Sally Petrie by mail at 140 N. Columbus St., Galion, OH 44833, by telephone at (419) 468-1518, by fax at (419) 468-2973, or by e-mail at spetrie@firstfederalbankofohio.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
    • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
    • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Special Supervision Division

400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12

Washington, DC 20219

Phone: (202) 649-6450

Fax: (571) 293-4925

www.occ.gov

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.

Ellen M. Warwick

Director for Enforcement and Compliance

Link:

OCC Counterfeit Alert

 

10.16.15
by

OCC Counterfeit Notice: First Financial Bank of Hamilton, OH

Subject: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Date: September 23, 2015
Description: First Financial Bank, NA
Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of First Financial Bank, NA, Hamilton, Ohio

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that two variations of fictitious cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 042200910 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with an online employment scam. The bank does not issue cashier’s checks.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

Variation #1

    • The checks contain the following security statement along the top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
    • The words “CASHIER’S CHECK” are printed over the aforementioned security statement.
    • Remitter names appearing on this variation may include Eric Brownstein and Tim Reeves.

Variation #2

    • The checks contain a dark top border with the following security statement: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”
    • The words “CASHIER’S CHECK” are printed over the aforementioned security statement.
    • Remitter names appearing on this variation may include Donald Williams and David Walker.

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts ranging from $1,720 to $3,850.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on First Financial Bank, NA, please contact the bank’s Client Service Center by mail at 300 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011, or by telephone at (877) 322-9530.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
    • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
    • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Special Supervision Division

400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12

Washington, DC 20219

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.

Ellen M. Warwick

Director for Enforcement and Compliance

Link:

OCC Notice

 

01.30.15
by

OCC Counterfeit Check Alert: The Bank of McAlester, OK

 

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Ensuring a safe and sound Federal Banking System for All Americans
Alert 2015-3
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Date: January 22, 2015		 Description: The Bank, N.A.
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of The Bank, N.A., McAlester, Okla.

To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 103100250 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various Internet-based employment and purchase scams.

Two variations of counterfeit checks currently in circulation resemble the bank’s authentic checks; they may be identified, however, by the following traits:

Variation #1

  • The checks contain the following security statement in the top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
  • A padlock icon along with the words “Security features” appears in the right-hand border of the check.

Variation #2

  • The checks contain the following security statement in the top border: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER.”
  • The following statement is located at the bottom of the check between two padlock icons: “SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK.”

Counterfeit checks presented to date have contained a remitter name of Andrea Bradley and have been made payable in various amounts.

Potential victims of the employment scams are contacted via e-mail after posting resumes to a legitimate Web site. These e-mails have been generated using various names; a predominant name used, however, is “Laura Delerma” with an e-mail address of [laurdelerma@hotmail.com]. Potential victims are encouraged to communicate with this person by text message to (773) 314-9789.

Potential victims of the purchase scams are contacted by e-mail regarding products they have posted on various Web sites. The sender uses many different names, including the name of “Mike Carey” with an e-mail address of [mikecarey01@hotmail.com].

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of cashier’s checks drawn on The Bank, N.A., please contact Vice President Lori Wilson by mail at 201 East Carl Albert Parkway, McAlester, OK 74501; by telephone at (918) 423-2265, ext. 4101; by fax at (918) 421-4156; or by e-mail at lwilson@thebankna.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site.
  • National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud Web site.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The Web site offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the Internet).
  • If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division
400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12
Washington, DC 20219
Phone: (202) 649-6450
Fax: (571) 293-4925
www.occ.gov
occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.

Ellen M. Warwick
Director for Enforcement and Compliance