Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Peoples National Bank, Hallstead, PA

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name but using the routing number of PNC Bank, NJ, 031207607, are being presented nationwide for payment in connection with a lottery scam.

The counterfeit items do not resemble authentic items. The counterfeit checks may be identified by the following: a standard check stock of unknown color with a security strip in the top border which states: “INCLUDES SECURITY FEATURES – MICRO ‘PRINING,’ HIDDEN VOID PANTOGRAPH, PRINTED ON SECURITY PAPER WITH INVISIBLE FIBRES AND CHEMICAL REACTANTS.” The letters PNB are enclosed in a darkened box in the top-left corner of the check with the name of the bank, “PEOPLES NATIONAL BANK,” appearing to the right. The words “Cashier’s Check” is centered along the top of the instrument, and the words “Check No.” are located in the top-right corner. The bank name and address of “50 Main Street, Hallstead, PA 18822” is printed in the bottom-left corner followed by the statement: “FOR ENQUIRES CALL – 1-800-731-6434.” The following statement appears directly above the signature line: “CHECKS OVER $10,000.00 MUST HAVE 2 SIGNATURES,” and the following security statement appears beneath the signature line: “SIGNATURE HAS A COLOURED BACKGROUND.”

Authentic Cashier’s Checks are of a standard check stock, which is blue/green in color with a marbled background. The following security statement appears along the top border of the check: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A TWO TONED COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER.” The bank’s logo of PNB enclosed by two tree branches is located in the top-left corner of the check. The bank’s name and address of “P.O. Box A, Hallstead, PA 18822” is located to the right of the logo, and the words “CASHIER’S CHECK” are located in the top-center portion of the instrument. The name of the bank and the words “AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE” appears above the signature line in the lower-right portion of the check.

For additional information and guidance or to verify the authenticity of Peoples National Bank cashier’s checks, please contact Steve Lawrenson, Security Officer, P.O. Box A, Hallstead, PA 18822, by telephone at (570) 879-2175, by fax at (570) 879-4372, or via email at [SteveL@peoplesnatbank.com].

Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:

Email: occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
Mail: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
Fax: (202) 874-5214
Internet: https://www.occ.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC's anti-fraud resource page.

/signed/

Daniel P. Stipano
Deputy Chief Counsel