Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Northfield Bank, Woodbridge, N.J.

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 226071457 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with an online employment scam.

The counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks; the counterfeit checks, however, may be identified by the following traits:

• The checks contain a blue and white marbled background.
• The bank’s logo is printed in black ink.
• The checks contain a dark blue top border, which includes the following security statement: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”
• The check contains one authorized signature of Rose Moffard.

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $2,350.90 and contain a remitter name of Regina Calautti.

Potential victims are initially contacted via email after registering with an online job search firm. The email is sent with the premise of scheduling a job interview and is sent by Christine J. Susi using an email address of [navient.hiringdesk@gmail.com]. The message requires that the recipient set up a Gmail account and a Gmail Hangout, where the online interview will be held. Following an extensive online interview, the potential victim will receive a check by overnight mail, which is to be deposited into his or her bank account immediately. The following day, the potential victim is to make a software purchase with a specific vendor using his or her ATM card or banking mobile app. Once the payment is made, no other communication will follow.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of cashier’s checks drawn on Northfield Bank, please contact Vice President and BSA Officer Christopher Donohue by mail at 581 Main St., Suite 810, Woodbridge, NJ 07095; by telephone at (732) 499-7200, x2594; by fax at (732) 634-0696; or by email at cdonohue@eNorthfield.com.

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

• U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General (OIG): by telephone at (800) 359-3898 or by visiting the OIG website.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC's website.
• National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by email. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud website.
• 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 website offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 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 Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the internet).
• If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (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 the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division
400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12
Washington, DC 20219
Phone: (202) 649-6450
Fax: (571) 293-4925
www.occ.gov
occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

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

Ellen M. Warwick
Director for Enforcement and Compliance