Gate City Bank counterfeit official checks

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit official bank checks using the bank’s routing number of 092005411 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a variety of up-front fee scams involving fictitious employment opportunities and online auction purchases.

The counterfeit checks may be identified by the following traits:

• The check has a variant coloration of blue to green with a marbled background.
• The following security statement appears in the top border: “TO VERIFY AUTHENTICATION, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DESCRIPTION OF THE 13 SECURITY FEATURES.”
• The Remitter line appears directly beneath the Pay to the Order of information.
• The Memo line appears directly beneath the Remitter line.
• Both the Remitter and Memo lines are in bold font.
• A security heat sensitive shield appears in the bottom center portion of the check.
• The authorized signature appears as “Al Erickson.”

Checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts between $1,910 and $26,500 and include a remitter name of “Austin Benito.”

Potential victims of the employment opportunity scam may receive email messages from an individual using the name “BreAnne Feador,” an email address of [funabcsmiles@emaildept.org], and a phone number of (614) 333-1993. Potential victims of this scam are sought out on resume builder websites. The victim is contacted for a fictitious work-at-home position matching his or her qualifications. If the position is accepted, the potential victim is mailed a counterfeit check in excess of the amount agreed upon. The check is to be immediately deposited into his or her bank account with the excess funds wired to a third party.

Potential victims of the auction scam may receive text messages from (315) 353-4960 or other untraceable numbers requesting to purchase an item he or she has posted for sale. The scammer obtains the potential victim’s mailing address and sends a counterfeit check well in excess of the agreed upon sales amount. The potential victim is instructed to immediately deposit the check, preferably via a mobile app, to ensure immediate funds availability. He or she is then to wire the excess funds to a third party.