The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 111318584 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.

The counterfeit checks are similar in appearance but may be identified by the following: the instruments are maroon in color, missing the bank’s logo, contain a 5-digit serial number, and include the following security statement in the top border: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”

Items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $3,500.00, have been dated 05/20/2007, and contain a remitter name of William Stride. Due to possible variations of appearance, it is suggested that officials of Perryton National Bank be contacted to verify authenticity of the bank’s cashier’s checks if received from an unknown or questionable source.

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit checks may contain the letterhead of “Midwest Random Draw Inc., Unit 125-1960 Amazon Crescent, Madison, OH 44057.” The letter alerts the recipient that he or she is the winner of an unclaimed prize and instructs the recipient to contact agent Mr. Richard Jones at 1-778-882-4040 or Ms. Michael Williams at 1-778-552-0298 within the next two weeks to avoid disqualification. Note that both telephone numbers originate out of Canada. The letter further states that the enclosed check is to be used to “cover some of the initial necessary expenses.” The letter may be signed by “Allen Jones, President & CEO.”

For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of Perryton National Bank’s cashier’s checks, please contact Diane Thorpe, BSA Officer, PO Box 969, Perryton, TX 79070, by telephone at (806) 435-9641, by fax at (806) 435-2756, or via e-mail at [dthorpe@perrytonbank.com].

Consumers who receive a counterfeit item and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies: