It has come to the attention of First National Bank of Hutchinson, Kansas, that counterfeit cashier’s checks bearing the bank’s name are being circulated nationwide. These fraudulent checks are linked to a mystery shopping scam and utilize the correct routing number (101100171) of First National Bank of Hutchinson. This alert is to inform the public and businesses to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any cashier’s checks purportedly from this institution.
These counterfeit checks are designed to mimic genuine checks, but there are identifiable characteristics to help distinguish them. The forgeries are reported to be of an unknown color and include a security statement in the top border: “For security purposes, the face of this check contains a colored background and microprinting in the border.” Furthermore, another security statement is located in the bottom-center, between two padlock icons, stating: “Security Features Included. Details on Back.”
Two distinct series of these fraudulent checks have been identified so far. One series is made out for $3,405, with “Rachal Wilson” listed as the remitter. The second series is in the amount of $3,962.11, with “Rachel Santine” named as the remitter. These specific amounts and remitter names can serve as immediate red flags.
Due to the potential for variations in counterfeit checks linked to different scams, First National Bank of Hutchinson strongly advises individuals and businesses to directly verify the authenticity of any cashier’s checks received from unfamiliar or questionable sources. This is crucial to prevent financial loss and protect against fraud.
The scam associated with these counterfeit checks often involves correspondence bearing the letterhead of “Corporate Research International,” with an address at 4581 Broad Street, Pleasantville, NJ 08232. Contact details listed include phone number 1-403-383-6027 and fax number 1-985-249-2732. The letters may be signed by someone identifying themselves as Bolton Phillips, Director of Operations (employment).
Recipients of these letters are falsely informed that they have been chosen to work as mystery shoppers for the company. The fraudulent cashier’s check is included with instructions to deposit it and then use the funds to make purchases at various merchants and transfer money via a well-known wire service. Victims are directed to contact an “Accounts Manager” for further instructions, which is a typical tactic in such scams.
To verify the legitimacy of a cashier’s check from First National Bank of Hutchinson, or to seek further information and guidance, please contact Carol Berger, EVP, Retail Banking, P.O. Box 913, Hutchinson, KS 67504-0913. She can be reached by phone at (620) 694-2270, by fax at (620) 694-2317, or via email at [[email protected]].
If you believe you have received a counterfeit check or materials related to this or any other financial scam, it is important to file complaints with the appropriate authorities.
For matters related to national banks, including First National Bank of Hutchinson, you can contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) at:
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
Website: www.occ.gov
Email: [[email protected]]
The OCC also provides valuable resources and information on various types of financial fraud on their anti-fraud resources page: /topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/index-fraud-resources.html. Protect yourself by staying informed and vigilant against potential scams.
