Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of The First National Bank of Wellston, Wellston, Ohio

The above-named bank has reported that two different versions of counterfeit cashier’s checks, both using a correct routing number of 044203850, are being presented for payment nationwide. These payments are being made in connection with a variety of Internet overpayment scams, including but not limited to online auctions and fictitious job opportunities.


While the counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic checks, counterfeit items may be identified by several traits:

• The following security statement is located in the top border: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
• The following security statements may be printed in the right-hand border, separated by a padlock icon: “Security Features Included” and “Details on Back.”
• The words “AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE” may appear both above and below the signature line in the lower-right section.
• The authorized signature line may contain a double underscore.

Counterfeit cashier’s checks presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts between $1,900 and $3,150 and contain a remitter name of Christina Minton.


Potential victims of the job opportunity scam may be contacted via e-mail by Sartaij Bal [sartaij.bal@gmail.com] and informed that they will receive a check by USPS Priority Mail. Once the checks are received, the recipients are instructed to deposit them into their bank accounts and contact Sartaij Bal for further instructions.


Potential victims of the Internet auction scam have been contacted via text messaging by John Grey with questions regarding the sale of goods that the potential victims have posted online. Once a price has been established, the potential victim is sent a check for a much greater amount than the agreed price. The potential victim is then instructed to wire the balance to a third-party individual.