Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks Drawn on First National Bank of Nevada, Scottsdale, AZ

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 122401723 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.

While the counterfeit items have a strong resemblance to the authentic items, the counterfeit checks can be identified by the following: printed on standard check stock paper which changes from blue to purple in color (from left to right). The statement “THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BACKGROUND AND AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK CERTIFICATION SEAL ON THE BACK – HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW SEAL” is contained within the top border of the check. The image of mountains contained in the bank’s logo in the top-center portion of the instrument is black in color and appears blurred. The statement “SIGNATURE HAS A COLORED Background” is located under the dual signature line at the bottom-right portion of the check, and the reverse side contains a watermark certification seal stating “ABA/ANSI SEAL Tested.” All checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts varying from $3,600.00 – $4,800.00 and include a remitter name of “HEIDI ROWLAND.”

The counterfeit items have been mailed to potential victims accompanied by letters from either:

• Donald Coffman, Foreign Service Manager, Zenon Publishing Sweepstakes House, Winnings Processing Center, 7861 Victoria Drive, SW, Edmonton, AB – V3V-6C5, (780) 604-5806, or
• Heidi Rowland, Account Services Department, Century Link Pos, 555 Belleville Street, Suite 800, Victoria, BC V8V 2X5, (250) 813-0583

The letters notify the recipient that they have won a cash prize in a lottery drawing. The potential victim is instructed by the counterfeiters to make contact immediately to arrange a wire transfer of processing fees in order to have the remaining funds released.

Authentic cashier’s checks contain a multi-colored background of peach and light green, and the image of mountains contained in the bank’s logo is purple. A security statement is contained under the dollar amount line, and a foil hologram security strip is located along the top border of the instrument, which contains a continuous loop of the statement: “FOIL STRIP HOLOGRAM.”

For additional information and guidance or to verify the authenticity of First National Bank of Nevada’s cashier’s checks, please contact Patricia Coronado, AVP, Fraud Investigator, Corporate Security Department, 17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, by telephone at (480) 224-8243, by fax at (480) 224-8536, or via email at [pcoronado@fnbaonline.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