Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Grundy National Bank, Grundy Center, IA

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 073905064 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a mystery shopper scam.

Counterfeit items may be identified by the following traits: The bank’s GNB 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 and enclosed in a box. The center of the instrument contains a rectangle with six arrows pointing towards the drawer name and the dollar amount of the check. The top portion of the rectangular area contains the phrase “Match the amount in words with the amount in numbers.” To the right of the box is the drawer bank information followed by an authorized signature line. The remitter information appears directly beneath the signature line.

Items presented to date contain drawer bank names of either Grundy National Bank or Eagle National Bank and include a remitter name of either Global Market Insite, Inc. or Mystery Shopper USA.

Correspondence accompanying the checks may contain the letterhead of either “Global Market Insite, Inc., Suite 290 80 Queen Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 6L4, Tel/Fax #1-519-731-2381, www.gmi-mr.com” or “Mystery Shopper, USA, 888 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3K4, Tel/Fax #1-604-338-3924, www.bmiltd.com.” Both letters are signed by Susan Hutchins and contain the same basic information. The letters inform recipients that they have been pre-qualified to be a secret shopper for the company. It is explained that the enclosed cashier’s check (generally exceeding $3,000) is to be used to purchase merchandise at various nationally known merchants as well as to transfer money using a nationally known wire service. The funds to be spent at each location are broken down with a specific dollar amount, with the shopper being allotted the remaining funds as payment for their mystery shopper service. Recipients are instructed to contact an assignment coordinator, who can be reached at 519-731-2381, Ext 200 or 604-338-3924, Ext 200.

For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of Grundy National Bank’s cashier’s checks, please contact Rose Curren, Head Cashier, P.O. Box 246, Grundy Center, IA 50638, by telephone at (319) 824-5431, by fax at (319) 824-3854, or via email at [rosec@gnbbank.com].

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

Email: 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: https://www.occ.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC's anti-fraud resource page.

/signed/

Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance