The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit official checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 011007092 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.
Counterfeit items may be identified by
the following traits: The checks are printed on a green check
stock, contain the bank’s name and an address of “South 30th
Street Branch” in the top-center portion of the item, include
the Remitter line in the top-left section, and have the words
“OFFICIAL CHECK” located in the bottom-left area of the check.
The following security statement appears inside of the
darkened top border: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.” The “Issued By” and “Drawer” statements are located in the lower-left corner.
Most items presented to date have used
a remitter name of Cassandra Thomas,
have been made payable in the amount of $2,975, and have been dated Sept. 25, 2006.
Correspondence accompanying the checks may contain the
letterhead of “Horizon Lotto E-Payment Inc., PO Box 52381, St.
Thomas, Virgin Island 00802.” Note that the address is
misspelled as “Virgin Island” vs. “Virgin Islands.” The letter
alerts the recipient that he or she is the winner of an
unclaimed prize and should contact the office immediately. The
letter also advises the recipient to keep all information
confidential and instructs him or her to deposit the enclosed
check into their bank account immediately because the funds
are necessary to pay for processing fees and international
taxes prior to the release of the winnings. Recipients are
encouraged to contact Mr. David Cohen at 1-902-412-3032, which
is a Canadian telephone number, by a specific date, or the
winnings will be forfeited. The correspondence is signed by
John Hamstead, Director, Claims Management.
For additional information and guidance and to verify the
authenticity of Park National Bank’s official checks, please
contact Doug Marston, Security Officer, 21 S First Street,
Newark, OH 43055, by telephone at (740) 349-4317, by fax at
(740) 345-6817, or via e-mail at
[dmarston@parknationalbank.com].
Additional information concerning this matter that
you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may
be forwarded to: