Mascoma Savings Bank counterfeit official and cashier's checks

The above-named bank has reported that at least five variations of counterfeit official checks and one variation of cashier’s checks using a correct routing number of 211770213 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with unknown scams.

The counterfeit official checks are of unknown color, but may be identified by the following traits:

• Variation No. 1
  • The check contains a dark top border with the following security statement: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER.”
  • The date, payee, and payment amounts are handwritten.
  • The authorized signature appears as Nancy Taylor.
• Variation No. 2
  • The check contains the following security statement along the top border: “WARNING. THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER.”
  • A padlock icon is located along the right edge.
  • A thumbprint heat-sensitive shield may be printed between the remitter and signature.
  • The authorized signature appears as Nancy Taylor.
• Variation No. 3
  • The check contains a dark top border with the following security statement: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINITING. REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.”FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE BORDER OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS MICROPRINTING.”
  • The authorized signature appears as Nancy Taylor.
• Variation No. 4
  • The check contains a dark top border with the following security statement between two padlock icons: “FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE BORDER OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS MICROPRINTING.”
  • The date, payee, and payment amounts are handwritten.
  • There are two authorized signatures. One appears as Nancy Taylor; the other is indistinguishable.
• Variation No. 5
  • The check contains a dark top border with the following security statement: “THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BACKGROUND AND SECURE DOCUMENT WATERMARK ON THE BACK. HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW.”
  • The abbreviation of “No.” appears to the left of the check number in the upper-right corner.
  • The abbreviated routing number of 67-76890 appears directly beneath the date.
  • A Memo line appears in the bottom left corner with the words “Instant cash.”
  • The authorized signature is indistinguishable.
• The counterfeit cashier’s checks are of unknown color, but may be identified by the following traits:
  • The check contains a dark top border with the following security statement: “TO VERIFY AUTHENTICITY, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DESCRIPTION OF THE 13 SECURITY FEATURES.”
  • The authorized signature appears as Nancy Taylor.
  • A heat-sensitive shield may appear between the remitter and authorized signature areas.

All checks presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts and have contained remitter names of Daniel J. Albenese, Tad M. Blair, or Andie McCarthy.