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Alert 2008-39
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks
Date: September 9, 2008 Description: National Iron Bank
Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of National Iron Bank, Salisbury, CTTo: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks; All State Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsel; and All Examining Personnel The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 011102638 are being presented for payment in the Eastern United States in connection with a mystery shopping scam. Items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $4,998, may include a remitter name of S.I. Inc, and include a 9-digit check serial number. Due to possible variations in the appearance of the bank’s official items and differing scams associated with the counterfeit items, officials of National Iron Bank suggest they 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 “Shoppers Instincts Inc., Suite #151 – 108 Cedar St., Hitchcock, SD 57348, Tel/Fax # 1-289-218-8555 or 1-905-617-4858.” The letter may be signed by Susan Hutchins, although the name appearing under the signature is that of Daniel Haskins, Chief Assignment Coordinator. The correspondence informs the recipient that he or she has been selected to represent the company as a mystery shopper. It is explained that the enclosed cashier’s check is to be used during the assignment to make purchases at various merchants and to transfer money using a nationally known wire service. Recipients are instructed to contact 1-289-218-8555 Ext 100 or 1-905-617-4858 Ext 100 and then press 1 to connect to a coordinator for details. Note that these telephone numbers originate from Ontario, Canada. Participants are required to keep the assignment confidential in accordance with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is enclosed with the check. For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of National Iron Bank’s cashier’s checks, please contact JoAnn M. Cahill, VP Operations, 195 Main Street, Salisbury, CT 06068, by telephone at (860) 435-2581, by fax at (860) 435-9105, or via e-mail at [joann.cahill@ironbank.com]. Consumers who receive a counterfeit or fictitious item and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:
Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:
For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resource at: http://www.occ.gov/topics/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/index-fraud-resources.html. /signed/ Richard C. Stearns |