The above-mentioned bank has reported that counterfeit checks using the bank’s routing number 051401027 are being presented for payment across the country in connection with various Internet scams related to mystery shopping and employment opportunities.
There are at least three known variations of counterfeits in circulation. Color development is unknown.
Variant #1 – This check resembles a genuine bank product, but may be identified by the following characteristics:
The following security statement is within the top border: “To ensure authenticity, please see reverse side for description of 11 security features.”
Variant #2 – This check resembles a genuine bank product, but may be identified by the following characteristics:
The following security statement is located within the top border: “To verify authenticity, please refer to the reverse for a description of the 13 security features.” Below the check number in the upper right portion of the check. The abbreviated routing number “00-000 000” is listed. A heat-sensitive security feature is located at the bottom center of the check. The check number appears on a microprinted line at the bottom of the check as a six-digit number with no leading zeros.
Variation #3 – This check does not resemble a genuine bank product and may be identified by the following characteristics:
The institution name “AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK & TRUST CO” is written in the upper right corner of the check. The sender’s name and mailing address are located in the upper left portion of the check, next to the Thompson Coburn LLP company logo. The check number appears on a microprinted line at the bottom of the check as a six-digit number with no leading zeros.
Checks submitted so far have ranged in amount from $190 to $45,000. However, the majority are paid between $1,845 and $2,990. The most common sender’s name is Rhonda C. Thomas, but other names include Chamika Ford, Linda King, Matthew Roberts, and Ralph Bochicco.
This check is used in three variations of mystery shopping scam letters currently in circulation.
The first contains a header called “CUSTOMER SERVICE EVALUATION TOOL (CSLT)”. The letter lists the names of well-known retail companies and encourages the recipient to purchase specific gift cards at various locations for specific amounts while keeping a portion of the counterfeit funds as payment for services. requesting. Victims are then instructed to send a photo of the card and a completed questionnaire to (customersurveyorg1@gmail.com) or (info.wholefoodsreport@gmail.com). Additionally, this individual will be instructed to immediately text their assignment completion to 346-426-6337 in order to receive the bonus. This letter is signed by Brian Clooney. The second letter asks recipients to text or email the scammer at (346) 202-5272 or (paulsmith01@usa.com) if they receive a counterfeit item. The letter further encourages potential victims to deposit funds via online mobile banking or ATMs to “reduce the stress of going to the bank.” The third letterhead will read “Research Papers Section 1 Batch C 2021” and recipients should send text only or acknowledge receipt to 669-222-4673 or (info@Pureliferesearch.com) instructions to send it by email. Potential victims also keep a certain amount of dollars as payment, purchase a $20 check drawn on a well-known charity, and use the remaining funds to purchase specific gift cards at specific retailers. you will be instructed to use it for. Send a photo of your purchased check and gift card to 669-222-4673 or 669-241-1940. The letter is signed by Samuel Hudson and includes a footer that reads “Postedjobs Inc Professional Survey and Research Group.”
In addition, fake checks are also used in scams targeting home improvement contractors who bid on jobs through online portals. A customer posing as James Howe hires a contractor and sends a check for an amount greater than the contractor requested. When the contractor reported the overpayment, Howe said he mistakenly overpaid the contractor with funds that were supposed to be paid to additional contractors he had hired. We then deposit the check with the contractor and request that additional funds be transferred to a third party (referred to as the additional contractor).
For additional information and to verify the authenticity of checks drawn on American National Bank and Trust Company, please contact the bank’s Customer Service Center by telephone at (800) 240-8190 or by mail at 628 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541. Please contact us.
Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious products and related materials should file complaints with the following authorities, as appropriate:
OCC: Email (occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov) Fax to (571) 293-4925. Or call the Special Supervision Division at (202) 649-6450. U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General (OIG): Call (800) 359‑3898 or visit the OIG website. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You may contact us at (877) FTC-HELP, or you may file a complaint electronically through the FTC’s website. National Consumers League (NCL): Call (202) 835-3323 or email. To file a fraud complaint, please visit the NCL Fraud website. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Visit our website to find the BBB in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (report scams that may occur on the Internet). If you received your communication via the United States Postal Service, please contact the United States Postal Inspection Service at (888) 877-7644. Mailed to: US Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100. or via our online complaint form.
For additional information on other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC’s Fraud Resources page, also located at OCC.gov.
Monica A. Freeze
executive director
