Counterfeit Official Checks of Security National Bank, a Branch of Park National Bank, Newark, Ohio

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit official checks using a correct routing number of 044101305 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a secret shopper scam.


The counterfeit checks do not resemble the bank’s authentic checks. Counterfeit items may be identified by several traits:

• The checks are green in color.
• A padlock security icon and the words “Security Features Included. Details on Back” appear along the bottom border of the check.
• The following security statement appears in the top border: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER.”

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $1,996 and contain a remitter name of Fowler Grillo.


Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit checks is purportedly from Christopher Green, Head of Recruitment, MS Recruitment, (860) 469-2142. The correspondence explains that the recipient is to use the majority of the funds to purchase an international money transfer. Details of the transfer are to be sent via e-mail to Christopher Green at [mssagency101@gmail.com].