Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Peoples Bank, National Association, Marietta, OH

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 0442025050 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.

The counterfeit items are light blue in color with black lettering and include the following security statement along the top border: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRITING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.” The bank logo and name appear in the top-left section of the check, and the following information is located in the top center “MARIETTA, OHIO 45750, OFFICES IN OH WV & KY”. Items presented to date have included a remitter name of “Prime Funding,” have been payable in the amount of $2,800.00, contain check numbers beginning with “385” or “386,” and have been dated either 6/25/06 or 7/3/06.

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items contains the letterhead of “rime rust Corp, 20 York Mills Road, North York, Toronto, ON M2P 2C2, 416-830-6758” and may be signed by K. Wagner, Accounts Manager. This entity represents itself as a third-party processor that helps locate and educate lottery and sweepstakes winners of their unclaimed funds. Recipients are informed of their winning status and are instructed to contact their account manager at the telephone number provided. The letter further states that “…the enclosed check should be used for service charges and all applicable fees.”

For additional information and guidance, please contact Teresa Pyles, Security Officer, Peoples Bank, National Association, 138 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750, by telephone at (740) 376-7136, by fax at (740) 376-7112, or via email at [tpyles@pebo.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
Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10
250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
Fax: (202) 874-5301
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