Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Winona National Bank, Winona, MN

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 091900216 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.

While the counterfeit checks resemble the authentic items, they may be identified by the following: the check is maroon in color with a marbled background and contains the following statement within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The checks do not include a remitter section.

Items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $4,800.00. Due to possible variations of appearance, it is suggested that officials of Winona National Bank be contacted to verify authenticity of the bank’s cashier’s checks if received from an unknown or questionable source.

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items may contain the letterhead of "Capital One Services Inc., PO.BOX 85508, Richmond, VA 23285-5508." The letter alerts the recipient that he or she is the winner of an unclaimed prize and instructs the recipient to contact Patrick Sanchez of the Prize Paying Department at 1-647-219-8792 by a specific date or the money will be forfeited. Note that this telephone number originates out of Toronto, Ontario. The letter further states that the enclosed check is to be used to "…help you cover the Documentations and Insurance fees involved in your winnings." The letter may be signed by James Y. Kean, Vice President.

For additional information and guidance, please contact Maureen Flynn, Compliance officer, 204 Main Street, Winona, MN 55987, by telephone at (507) 454-9249, by fax at (507) 454-9201, or via email at [maureenf@winonanationalbank.com].

Consumers who receive counterfeit or fictitious items and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:

• U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General (OIG): by telephone at (800) 359-3898 or by visiting the OIG website.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at (877) FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically, via the FTC's website.
• National Consumers League (NCL): by telephone at (202) 835-3323 or by email. To file a fraud complaint, visit the NCL fraud website.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB system serves markets throughout Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States and is the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers. The website offers contact information for local BBBs, objective reports on more than 2 million businesses, consumer scam alerts, and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (to report scams that may have originated via the internet).
• If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by telephone at (888) 877-7644; by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100; or via the online complaint form.

Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded to

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division
400 7th St. SW, Suite 3E-218; MS 8E-12
Washington, DC 20219
Phone: (202) 649-6450
Fax: (571) 293-4925
www.occ.gov
occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

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

Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance