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The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit money orders issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 101114947 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various overpayment scams.
Counterfeit items may be identified by the following traits: Items presented to date contain varying serial numbers and dates; however, all have been payable in the amount of $12,000, with the embossed amount on the items shown as “***$12.000***,” the remitter appears as “Sandi Edward,” and the bank’s information appearing in the lower-left corner is presented as "American State Bank & Trust Company, N.A., Larned, Ks 67550."
Confirmed schemes include an internet merchandise overpayment scam as well as an investment maturity scam. Correspondence accompanying the checks related to the investment scam may contain the letterhead of "Primetime Financial Brokers, 2020 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M3N2K9; telephone 1-416-617-2851, E-mail address: [primet@consultant.com]." Recipients have indicated that during conversations with the scammers, they are instructed to deposit the item in their account and wire a portion back to the sender. The letter indicates that 7.99% of the total principal is due upon completion of the transaction. This correspondence may be signed by "Kenneth Collins" or "Sarah Edwards."
For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of American State Bank & Trust Company, N.A.’s money orders, please contact Joe Spiser, Risk Manager, 1321 Main Street, P.O. Box 1346, Great Bend, KS 67530, by telephone at (620) 793-5900, by fax at (620) 793-3402, or via e-mail at [joespiser@americanstatebankna.com].
Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:
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E-mail: |
occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov |
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Mail: |
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
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Fax: |
(202) 874-5214 |
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Internet: |
http://www.occ.treas.gov |
For
additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit
the OCC’s anti-fraud resource at:
http://www.occ.gov/fraudresources.htm.
/signed/
Richard C. Stearns
Director
Enforcement & Compliance Division
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