The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 021201639 are being presented for payment both locally and nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.

Counterfeit items may be identified by the following traits: The bank’s CNB logo and name appear in the upper-left corner of the check with the words “Cashier’s Check” printed in the top-center portion of the item. An erroneous transit routing number is located in the top-right corner under the serial number and is printed as 25-077/312. A remitter line is located under the bank’s logo, and the bank name, street address, and an unassociated 800# appear in the lower left portion of the instrument. The payable amount is preceded by eight large arrows, and the following statement is printed in the bottom center portion of the check: “NO STOP PAYMENT PERMITTED FOR 90 DAYS.”

Items presented to date have used a remitter name of F. F. Trust or L.R.M.P. and have been made payable in various amounts, but frequently as $3965.89 or $2480.00. 

Correspondence accompanying the checks may contain the letterhead of “Franklin Financial Trust & Payment Inc., Prize and Award Presentation International Claim Department, 1-289-888-1763” or appear to be sent from other legitimate lottery award companies. The letter alerts the recipient that he or she is the winner of an unclaimed prize and should contact the office immediately. The recipient is advised to keep all information confidential and is encouraged to act by a specific date or the winnings will be forfeited. The correspondence may be signed by Tracy Phillips, Payment Officer.

For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of City National Bank of New Jersey’s cashier’s checks, please contact Ronald Capitini, Auditor, 900 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, by telephone at (973) 624-0865, by fax at (973) 624-4369, or via e-mail at [rcapitini@citynatbank.com].

Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:

	E-mail:	occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
	Mail:	Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4 250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
	Fax:	(202) 874-5214
	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.treas.gov/fraudresources.htm.

          /signed/          

Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance