It has come to the attention of Clinton National Bank that counterfeit cashier’s checks, bearing the bank’s name and the correct routing number 096016765, are circulating nationwide. These fraudulent checks are being used in connection with a secret shopping scam, and the public is urged to exercise caution.
These counterfeit instruments are distinguishable from genuine Clinton National Bank cashier’s checks by several key features. The forgeries are printed on light blue paper and are marked with both thick and thin dark blue lines along the top and bottom edges. Notably, a gold emblem is located in the lower center of the check. The bank’s logo appears as a reversed image, featuring white text on a dark background, positioned at the top center of the check, and includes the words “Member FDIC.” A security statement, accompanied by a padlock icon, is printed along the bottom border, reading: “THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SECURITY FEATURES – SEE REVERSE.”
The counterfeit checks identified so far have been issued for amounts of $2,800, $2,950, and $2,990. They consistently list a remitter name as Fu Young and are signed by an individual named Kathleen Beal.
Given the discrepancies in appearance between these fraudulent checks and authentic Clinton National Bank cashier’s checks, and considering the diverse range of scams associated with such counterfeits, Clinton National Bank advises individuals to directly verify the authenticity of any cashier’s check received from an unfamiliar or questionable source.
Accompanying these counterfeit checks, correspondence may bear the letterhead of “Extreme Secret Shopper, P.O. Box 17550, Kent, WA 98002-3202,” with contact numbers Tel: 1-905-781-9292 and Fax: 206-337-1657. These letters may be signed by Jenny Wong, identified as Quality Research Manager. Recipients are informed of their selection as secret shoppers and instructed that the enclosed cashier’s check is for making purchases at various businesses and for conducting money transfers via a well-known wire service. Victims are then directed to contact Officer Tim Walkers at 1-905-781-9292 for further instructions.
To confirm the legitimacy of a Clinton National Bank cashier’s check, or to obtain further details and assistance, please contact Jennifer L. Boysen, EVP/Operations, at Clinton National Bank, 235 6th Avenue, South, Clinton, IA 52732. She can be reached by phone at (563) 243-1243, by fax at (563) 243-5451, or via email at [[email protected]].
Individuals who have received counterfeit or fictitious items and related materials are encouraged to file complaints with the appropriate agencies.
Any information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) can be directed 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
[email protected]
For more information on various types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page.
/signed/
Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance
