Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A., Winter Haven, Fla.

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 063114030 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various Internet-based employment and overpayment scams.

Four variations of counterfeit checks currently in circulation resemble the bank’s authentic checks. The counterfeit checks may be identified, however, by the following traits:

• Variation #1
• The background of the checks has an interlocking circle pattern and contains, from left to right, a fading coloration of blue, pink, blue.
• The top border is dark blue and red and contains the following security statement: “THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BORDER AND WATERMARK ON THE BACK. HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW.”
• The word “BANK” is missing from the bank’s logo in the upper left corner.
• The numerical dollar amount is encoded into a darkened box within the check.
• Variation #2
• The checks contain a blue and white marbled pattern background.
• he top border is dark blue and contains the following security statement: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”
• Variation #3
• The checks contain a blue and white linen patterned background.
• The top border is blue and contains the following security statement: “WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts from $1,900 to $2,830, have contained a remitter name of Helen Judith, reference “Branch: 52” in the bottom left portion of the check, and contain an authorized signature of “Jankie Tikaprasad.”

Potential victims of this mystery shopping scam are contacted via e-mail by an individual using the following identity: Mark T. Sancho of Customer Survey Inc., Human Resources Department, 2300 Nevada Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55427, [mark@secretshoppercenter.net]. Once the assignment is accepted, the potential victim receives a letter in the mail along with payment in the form of a counterfeit check.

Letters accompanying the checks instruct the potential victim to immediately deposit the check into his or her bank account and to retain $300 as a commission. The potential victim is then to use $15 to make a purchase at a well-known chain store and to use the balance to purchase Reloadit pack prepaid cards at any store. Once purchased, the PIN numbers are to be sent by e-mail along with an evaluation form to Mark Sancho. Photographs of the PIN numbers may be sent to him by texting (763) 691-7315.

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of cashier’s checks drawn on CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A., please contact BSA Officer and Fraud Investigator Sherry Root by mail at 1101 First St. South, Winter Haven, FL 33880; by telephone at (863) 678-6620; or by e-mail at sroot@centerstatebank.com.