Counterfeit checks using the correct routing number of a Georgia bank are being presented nationwide in connection with various online auction scams, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) warned Wednesday.
In a bulletin, the OCC said the phony checks using the routing number of Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. of Louisville, Ga. (routing number: 061103975) come in four known variations, which resemble the bank’s authentic checks. The agency said the variations are:
Variation #1
- The checks are light blue in color with a darker blue top border containing the following security statement: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
- The bank’s name is located in the lower left corner of the check with an enlarged letter “Q” appearing as the logo. The bank’s website address [www.qnbtrust.com] is missing.
- A padlock icon is located within the right-hand border.
Variation #2
- The checks are of unknown color with a dark top border containing the following security statement: “TO VERIFY AUTHENTICITY, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DESCRIPTION OF THE 10 SECURITY FEATURES.”
- The bank’s name is located in the lower left corner of the check with an enlarged letter “Q” appearing as the logo. The bank’s website address [www.qnbtrust.com] is missing.
- A heat-sensitive shield is located in the bottom center portion of the check.
Variation #3
- The checks are of unknown color and contain the following security statement along the top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
- A padlock icon is located within the right-hand border.
- The bank’s name is located in the lower left corner of the check with an enlarged letter “Q” appearing as the logo. The bank’s website address [www.qnbtrust.com] is missing.
Variation #4
- The checks are blue in color with a marbled background and contain the following security statement along the top border: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”
- The bank’s name is printed in blue and located in the lower left corner of the check with an enlarged red letter “Q” appearing as the logo. The bank’s website address [www.qnbtrust.com] is missing.
The OCC said checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts ranging from $850 to $29,850 and contain remitter names of George Carter, Jonathan Cook, Carlos Gutierrez, Wade Hughes, Hector Lopez, Maria Mendoza, Denise Pinkston, Greg Terry, or Cecil Walters. Checks may contain authorized signatures of Rita Burke, Anna Garney, or Frank Gravis.