It has come to the attention of First Federal Bank of Ohio that counterfeit official bank checks using their routing number 042000314 are being circulated nationwide. These fraudulent checks are linked to various online scams, including auction fraud and fake job opportunities.
While these counterfeit checks are designed to closely resemble genuine checks from First Federal Bank of Ohio, there are key features that can help you identify them. Be vigilant and look for these discrepancies if you receive a check claiming to be from this bank.
Identifying Counterfeit First Federal Bank of Ohio Checks
There are at least two known variations of these counterfeit checks currently in circulation. Here’s how to spot them:
Variation #1: Key Characteristics
- Color and Border: The color of these checks is currently unknown, but they feature a darkened top border. This border includes a security statement: “THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND ON WHITE PAPER”.
- Bank Logo: In the upper left corner, the bank’s logo, represented by the letters “FF”, may appear in white or a light color.
- Branch Offices: Authentic First Federal Bank of Ohio checks list branch offices under the logo. Counterfeit checks do not include this branch office information.
- Security Feature: A heat shield security feature is present in the bottom center of the check.
- Reference Line: The reference line on these checks contains the name “Donald Sawyer”.
- Security Statement and Icons: The bottom border contains the security statement “SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK.” positioned between two padlock icons.
- Signature: These checks are signed by “Leiann Waddell.”
Variation #2: Key Characteristics
- Color and Border: Similar to Variation #1, the color is unknown, and they have the same darkened top border with the security statement: “THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND ON WHITE PAPER”.
- Branch Offices: Again, these counterfeit checks omit the listing of branch offices under the bank logo.
- Drawee Bank Error: In the top center, these checks incorrectly state: “DRAWEE Fifth Third Bank (Cincinnati)”. Note the missing punctuation after “Cincinnati”.
- Signature Requirement Error: Directly above the signature line, a statement reads: “TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED OVER &5,000.00”. This statement contains a typographical error (& instead of AND).
- Security Feature: A heat shield security feature is located in the bottom center.
- Reference Line: This variation uses the name “Matthew Newsom” in the reference line.
- Security Statement and Icons: Identical to Variation #1, it includes “SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK.” between two padlock icons in the bottom border.
- Signature: These checks are also signed by “Leiann Waddell.”
It’s important to note that reported counterfeit checks have been made out for amounts ranging from $2,455 to $10,000.
Job Opportunity Scam Details
Many victims receiving these counterfeit checks are associated with a job opportunity scam. Victims are often contacted by someone identifying themselves as “Rick Allen, Survey Evaluation Co-ordinator of Blink Research and Services.”
The scam typically involves these steps:
- Receiving the Check: Victims receive a counterfeit check via mail.
- Deposit and Instructions: They are instructed to deposit the check into their bank account.
- Compensation and “Secret Survey”: Victims are told to keep a portion of the deposited amount, often $308, as compensation. The remaining funds are to be used to purchase gift cards. This is presented as part of a secret survey of the store where the gift cards are purchased.
- Contact and Gift Card Details: Victims are given a phone number, (973) 531-7814, to text for further instructions. They are then directed to send pictures of the gift card numbers to the scammers.
This is a scam. The check is fraudulent, and you will be responsible for the funds when the bank discovers the check is counterfeit.
Verifying Check Authenticity and Reporting Fraud
To verify the authenticity of any check claiming to be from First Federal Bank of Ohio, or if you suspect you have received a counterfeit check, please contact First Federal Bank of Ohio directly.
You can reach Assistant Treasurer/Bookkeeping Sally Petrie through the following methods:
- Mail: 140 N. Columbus Street, Galion, OH 44833
- Telephone: (419) 468-1518
- Fax: (419) 468-2973
- Email: [email protected]
If you have received a counterfeit check or believe you are a victim of this scam, it is crucial to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities:
- Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC):
- Special Supervision Division, 400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12 Washington, DC 20219
- Phone: (202) 649-6450
- Fax: (571) 293-4925
- Website: www.occ.gov
- Email: [email protected]
For more information on financial fraud and how to protect yourself, please visit the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page: OCC Fraud Resources.
Protect yourself from check fraud and remain vigilant. Always verify the authenticity of checks, especially those received from unfamiliar sources or in connection with online transactions or job offers.
