Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: The First National Bank, Vandalia, Ill.

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 081205112 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with an online job opportunity scam.


While the counterfeit checks resemble the bank’s authentic items, counterfeit items may be identified by several traits. Counterfeit checks are blue marbled in color throughout and contain the following security statement along with a padlock icon within the right-hand border: “Security Features Included. Details on Back.” Within the “Notice to Customer” box in the top-center portion of the counterfeit check, a dash appears between “90” and “days.”


Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $2,910.50 and include a purchaser name of Areli Ellsworth.


Potential victims are contacted via e-mail by Mannello Perez about the job opportunity and informed that they will receive two checks for $2,910.50 each. Once the checks are received, the recipients are to deposit one of the checks into their bank accounts. Within 24 hours, they are to use $2,410 of the deposited funds to purchase Moneypak debit cards at various retail stores. Once the Moneypak cards are purchased, the recipients are then instructed to reveal the security numbers on the cards and to e-mail them back to Perez at pereznello@outlook.com or telephone them to Perez at either (415) 484‑6953 or (347) 674-2318.