The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier's checks issued in the bank's name and using a correct routing number of 064101233 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a mystery shopping scam.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank's authentic items but may be identified by the following traits:

• A security statement in the top border that reads, "TO VERIFY AUTHENTICITY SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DESCRIPTION OF THE 11 SECURITY FEATURES;"
• The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are printed in a dark ink and appear in the top center portion of the check; and
• The bank's Internet address does not appear under the logo in the top-left portion of the items.

The color of the checks is unknown.

Items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $1,990.50 and include a remitter name of Keith Stanton.

In another variation of this scam, counterfeit business checks using the name of "INSTINET" and appearing to be drawn on JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. are now being presented with First National Bank of Tennessee's routing number and GL account number. These items have been presented in the amount of $1,895.

Due to possible continued variations between the appearance of the bank's authentic items and the counterfeit items associated with the scam, officials of First National Bank of Tennessee suggest they be contacted to verify authenticity of the bank's cashier's checks if received by an unknown entity.

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items may include the letterhead of "Financial Mystery Management Company, Survey Division, e-mail: allinvesty@yahoo.com, Head Office-USA: 146 Woodlot Road, Ridge, NY 11961, Central Office – New York: 89 Main St, "Niagra" Falls, New York." The letter indicates that the recipient has been chosen to represent the firm as a Customer Service Evaluator.

It is explained that the enclosed 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 Research Associate, Donny Rambo, at 1-647-219-6247 for detailed instructions.

For additional information and guidance, and to verify the authenticity of First National Bank of Tennessee's cashier's checks, please contact Roger Brady, Senior Vice President/Risk Management, 214 East Main Street, Livingston, TN 38570, by telephone at (931) 403-4433, by fax at (931) 403-4475, or via e-mail at [roger.brady@fnbotn.com].

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.
  
  
• Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) – Businesses often arrange for mystery shoppers through independent companies, many of which are members of the MSPA. To verify the legitimacy of an organization, visit www.mysteryshop.org.
  
  
• 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 [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.gov/topics/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/index-fraud-resources.html.

/signed/

Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance