| RE: |
Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of The First National Bank of Peterstown, Peterstown, W.Va.
The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and
using a correct routing number of 051503051 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection
with a mystery shopping scam.
The counterfeit checks do not resemble the bank’s authentic items and may be identified by the
following traits: the instruments are blue in color, contain the name and color logo of FNB of
Peterstown in the upper-left corner and the words "CASHIER’S CHECK" in the top-center followed by a
Notice, which states: "Notice to Purchaser – In the event this check is lost, misplaced, or stolen a
sworn statement and 90 day waiting period will be required prior to replacement. This check should
be negotiated within 90 days." The following security statement is located in the top border: "FOR SECURITY
PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER." A security
statement is also located in the bottom-center border surrounded by two pad-lock icons. A telephone number of
1-800-373-5098 appears in the bottom-left corner of the check. Please note that this telephone number is not associated
with the bank.
Items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $4,980, contain a remitter name
of "B.V Inc," and display a signature of Thomas W. Casey.
Due to possible variations between the appearance of the bank’s authentic items and the
counterfeit items associated with the scam, officials of The First National Bank of Peterstown
suggest they be contacted to verify authenticity of the bank’s cashier’s checks if received by an
unknown entity.
Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit checks may contain the letterhead of "Buyers View Inc.,
Suite #224-635 Scenic Drive, Peterstown, WV 24963." 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 an assignment coordinator at 1-905-861-1453
Ext. 103 or 1-647-890-2742 Ext. 103. The letter may display a signature of Jack A. Dill, Chief Assignment
Co-Ordinator.
For additional information and guidance, and to verify the authenticity of The First National Bank
of Peterstown’s cashier’s checks, please contact Betty Brown, The First National Bank of Peterstown,
220 Market Street, Peterstown, WV 24963, by telephone at (304) 753-4321 or by fax at (304) 753-5863.
Consumers who receive a counterfeit or fictitious item and associated material should file complaints with the
following agencies, as appropriate:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP or, for filing a
complaint electronically, via the FTC’s Web site at
www.ftc.gov.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Canadian scams): by telephone at 1-888-495-8501
or via e-mail at [info@phonebusters.com]. Their Web
site,
www.phonebusters.com, provides additional contact numbers.
- 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 international Web site www.bbb.org offers contact information for local
BBBs, objective reports on more than two 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 (FBI) Internet Fraud Complaint Center (scams
that may have originated via the Internet) at www.ic3.gov/.
- If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S.
Postal Inspector Service by telephone at 1-888-877-7644, 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 e-mail at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx.
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.treas.gov/fraudresources.htm.
/signed/
Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance
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