It has come to the attention of First National Bank And Trust Beloit that counterfeit cashier’s checks bearing the bank’s name are being circulated nationwide as part of a sophisticated lottery scam. These fraudulent checks utilize the correct routing number (075900973) of First National Bank and Trust Beloit, making them appear initially legitimate. This alert is to inform financial institutions and the public about key identifiers to distinguish these fake checks and prevent potential losses.
These counterfeit checks, while superficially resembling authentic checks, possess several distinguishing features. They are printed in either blue or yellow ink and are framed by a dark blue border. A critical identifier is the serial number, which is only six digits long on the fake checks. Furthermore, the counterfeit checks list an incorrect bank address: “1527 Madison Road, Beloit, WI 53540-3287.” This is a significant discrepancy from the actual address of First National Bank and Trust Beloit and should serve as an immediate red flag.
Security features on the counterfeit checks are also misrepresented. They may include security statements within the top border such as: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER” or “THE FACE OF THIS CHECK IS PRINTED BLUE – THE BACK CONTAINS A SIMULATED WATERMARK.” However, these statements are not consistent with authentic First National Bank and Trust Beloit cashier’s checks. Another telltale sign is the payable amount, which is spelled out but not encoded using magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) technology at the bottom of the check. Additionally, asterisks precede the dollar amount, and the signature line lacks a security seal but incorrectly features a padlock security icon. Checks presented thus far are typically made out for $2,975.00, but variations may exist.
The counterfeit checks are linked to a lottery scam orchestrated by “Win-For-Me International Sweepstakes,” purportedly operating from “2593 Sheppard Ave, E North York, ON M2J5B4.” Victims receive correspondence, often on letterhead from this entity, falsely claiming they have won an unclaimed prize from well-known companies like “Publisher’s Clearing House, Reader’s Digest, Online Casino, and Online Games.” Recipients are urgently instructed to contact a “claims agent” at a Canadian phone number (705) 770-3153 before a looming deadline. The scam letter deceptively states that the enclosed counterfeit check is to cover “international taxes and clearance fees” associated with claiming their supposed winnings. The letters are often signed by a “Dr. Jeffrey Forbes, PhD, Director of Marketing and Promotions,” a likely fictitious persona used to lend false credibility to the scam.
To verify the authenticity of any cashier’s check purportedly from First National Bank & Trust, especially if received from an unfamiliar source, it is crucial to directly contact bank officials. Jodi Snively, Accounting Manager at First National Bank & Trust, is available to assist with verification. She can be reached at 345 East Grand Avenue, Beloit, WI 53511, by phone at (608) 363-8078, by fax at (608) 363-8069, or via email at [email protected]. Always use official contact information sourced directly from the bank’s website or trusted directories rather than relying on details provided in unsolicited correspondence.
Consumers and financial institutions encountering these counterfeit items and related scam materials are strongly encouraged to file complaints with the appropriate authorities. This includes the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for matters concerning national banks. Reports can be directed to the OCC Special Supervision Division at 400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12 Washington, DC 20219, by phone at (202) 649-6450, or by fax at (571) 293-4925. Further information and resources on financial fraud can be found on the OCC’s anti-fraud resources page. Vigilance and proactive reporting are essential in combating these fraudulent schemes and protecting individuals and institutions from financial losses.
