March 13, 2019 / Source: OCC

Alert 2019-2

Subject: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks
Date: March 13, 2019

Description: First National Bank of Elmer

Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of the First National Bank of Elmer, Elmer, NJ

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; Chair, 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 the bank’s routing number of 031203915 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with an online job opportunity overpayment scam.

While the counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic items, counterfeits may be identified by the following traits:

• The checks are blue with white marbling and 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 bank’s address appears as “PO BOX Elmer NJ 08318.” The actual box number is missing.
• The words “CASHIERS CHECK” appear in the top center portion of the check but are not encircled.
• The ABA number is located beneath and to the left of the check number.
• The written dollar amount line contains empty space after the amount.
• The numerical dollar amount is not underlined.
• The account number in the micro line at the bottom of the check is preceded by four zeros.

Checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts ranging from $1,300 to $100,000 and contain a remitter name of Robert White.

Potential victims have been contacted via email by David Netto using an email address of [[email protected]]. The email correspondence introduces Mr. Netto as a writer for a well-known magazine, who is advertising for a professional photographer. Counterfeit checks that are sent to potential victims are made payable for an amount greater than the agreed-upon amount. The potential victim is told to deposit the counterfeit check and immediately wire the overage amount to a third party.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of cashier’s checks drawn on the First National Bank of Elmer, please contact Vice President and Risk Officer Steven Botto by mail at 10 South Main Street, Elmer, NJ 08318, by telephone at (856) 358-7000, x1119, or by email at [email protected].

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

• U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General (OIG): by telephone at (800) 359 3898 or by visiting the OIG website.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC’s website.
• National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by e-mail. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud website.
• 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 website 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
[email protected]

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

Monica A. Freas
Director for Enforcement and Compliance