Have a new fraud alert? Click here to email us the information.
2021
Fraud 1: The bank customer went online looking for loan options messaged an individual and gave that individual their mobile banking information – the individual mobile deposited three different phony “payroll checks”. We denied the third deposit but the other two made it to the bank customer account – the bank customer then went to two different branch locations, withdrew the cash and proceeded to a Dollar General – purchased multiple gift cards – called the fraudsters – gave them all the info off the gift cards at which time the fraudsters spent the gift cards online. That bank customer will be out about $2,700.
Fraud 2: A bank customer was online returning a monthly recurring product subscription when the fraudster told the bank customer to put in their account information so they could send a “test” refund. The original purchase was $260.00. The test refund was going to be $40.00 but the fraudster typed in $40,000.00 and said it was already in the bank customer account. The fraudster emailed the bank customer wiring instructions and instructed the bank customer to wire back $39,700. Thankfully the bank customer came right to the bank (while on the cell phone with the fraudster) This bank customer DID NOT lose any money. Listening to the phone call it was obvious these fraudsters are relentless – neither the bank customer or I could get a word in, when we told the fraudster the Sheriff was also in the room they hung up.
‘Attached is a copy of a fraudulent check along with instructions that a customer tried to deposit. It was fedx’d to her house. We called the bank and they said they have had numerous tries on the account.’
2020
‘We had the attached check attempt to clear Commercial Bank of Mott this morning. The company the check is drawn on does not have an account with CBM, yet the check uses our routing number. Further discovery found that the check was cashed at a credit union in Texas. The check has been returned as fraud.’
Thanks.
"American Bank Center received notice of an individual who is using the name and ID of Michelle Churchill to cash checks. The real identity of the suspect is unknown. This suspect has made 4 attempts to cash checks this afternoon in Bismarck / Mandan – so she’s still in the area. Please be cautious, and contact the police if an individual using this name attempts a transaction at other financial institutions."
If you have questions please contact: Denise Arntson CAMS, CBAP, BSA Officer (o) 701-221-4728 | (c) 701-471-0772 American Bancor Ltd
Thank you!
The lady that was involved in this cash advance scheme returned to the bank with the same cash advance request and thanks to alert staff she was stalled while 911 was called. She has been arrested with her accomplice. They had flown in from out of state and rented a car for their crime spree. The had fake IDs and fake currency on them. Please view the mug shots. If fraud was committed OR attempted at your bank by these two ladies, the Bismarck police department is asking that you file a police report with your local police department and notify them in Bismarck as well.
https://bustednewspaper.com/angelina-michelle-mason-2020-02-25-122200-arrest-booking-mugshot-burleigh-county-north-dakota/
https://bustednewspaper.com/carla-evette-huffman-2020-02-25-123700-arrest-booking-mugshot-burleigh-county-north-dakota/
In speaking with our cash advance machine rep, this is a common fraudulent scheme used to override the cash advance machines and force unauthorized advances through. Entering these codes will result in an approved transaction, which will later be rejected by the issuing bank. We should never speak with the card holder’s bank. If the card holder’s limit was in fact increased, our cash advance machine provider would be able to give us a code. Our cash advance machine provider is the only place we should have accept an override code from.”
2019
Thanks
“Attached is a copy of the front and back of a MOTION PICTURES PURPOSES $20 bill that was received from a business customer at United Community Bank's Burlington office.
Secret Service has been notified.”
This bill has a very waxy feel to it and clearly states ‘MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES’ on the right hand side of the face side of the bill and on the back side top ‘ONLY MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES' followed by 'This is a Copy Bill'. It was very worn and torn and ripped the rest of the way in the bill counter.
Thank you.“Horizon Financial Bank wants you to be aware of fraudulent checks that we have been receiving. The checks had been received by and returned as fraudulent to our Devils Lake location in December and January. We have contacted all three of the Credit Unions (SchoolsFirst, Schools, and Unify) the checks appear to be drawn on and they are all aware of the activity but did not give any specifics other than that they were aware that the checks were involved in a “mystery shopper” scam. The credit unions are located in California. One of the victims is a college student who received an email from a faculty member with a job opportunity for a “mystery shopper”. He replied to the email and they sent him checks which he was told to cash right away. Then he was to go to a store and purchase gift cards with the cash. Once he had the cards he was instructed to scratch the codes from the card, take a picture of them along with the receipt and text the information to the fraudster. He was instructed to do this within 24 hours.
These checks are very good with all of the check security features on the checks.”
For more information contact: Amanda Pierce Operations Manager Horizon Financial Bank Bismarck location
2018
Or for more information contact Denise Arntson. Thanks.
Denise Arntson Vice President, BSA/AML Officer American Bank Center
2017
The first time, the check was a stolen starter kit check. Our Personal Banker didn’t cash it, because the account didn’t have enough funds to cover it. We didn’t realize it was a forgery until later in the day when our customer told us he didn’t write the check out. We filed a police report with the attached photo, but since the couple left with the check, we didn’t have a name to report.
Today, one of our Personal Bankers questioned the signature on the business check presented because it didn’t match the names we had on file and the check had smeared ink all over it, like it had been wet. The couple said they thought it would be easier to discuss if they came into the lobby. At this point, they took off leaving behind Wesley Wood’s ID and the check. After reviewing our cameras, our Personal Bankers realized it is the same couple from two months ago with the same van; however, this time, they removed the license plates from their van. Please note the van has a broken front bumper underneath where the license plate should be and a white triangle sticker in the lower left side of the back window.
After visiting with our business customer, this check was originally made out for $200 payable to a local landfill. The individual who stole it, washed the information off the check and re-filled it out to Wesley Woods for $923.57.
Per a public record search, Wesley Woods has an outstanding warrant for forgery. His ND ID card (it’s not a driver’s license) lists his DOB as 12/23/1991 and an address in Tuttle, ND. He has brown hair, brown eyes and is 5’11”. The driver was a brunette in her mid-to-late thirties. The image of the couple didn’t scan very well.
Sarah Getzlaff, CPA
EVP/COO
"Our customer deposited a check on Tuesday. On Thursday he came in to withdraw $1950 in cash, and mentioned that he sold a washer and dryer. The teller remarked that it must have been a very nice set, based on the price. The customer took his cash and left. The washer and dryer were advertised on Facebook for $200, not the $1950 received by check. The teller and supervisor called the bank in Colorado to verify funds for the check. The bank stated the account number was valid, but the R-Jet Tek Inc. owner would need to be on the line before funds could be verified. Using Google, the supervisor contacted the company – and we were informed that the check was counterfeit. Fortunately we were able to contact the customer before he sent money back to the buyers / scammers via MoneyGram. The business owner stated they have been bombarded with counterfeit checks from $1500 - $2000."
Thank you.
Denise Arntson, CAMS, CBAP
Vice President, BSA / AML Officer
American Bank Center
The "grandchild" phone scammers are at it again. One of our employees received a phone call today while home for lunch. She answered the call with "Hello" and a male voice said "Grandma, how are you doing?" After she responded with "great", they asked "Guess who this is?". She told them "I have no idea", and they said "Come on Grandma, you can guess". When she replied "Considering I have one grandchild and it is a girl….." CLICK…..they hung up.
Not sure what the scam would have been since they cut the appeal short, we still wanted others to know that this type of issue is still out there. Thank you.
Jackie Knutson, Vice President Audit/Compliance
United Community Bank
9:30 am on 5/18/2017
2 people installed a card skimmer on our ATM machine- please refer to pictures for each bullet:
- Person that installed the skimmer
- Lookout person
- I am holding the camera that was put above our ATM machine
- The skimming card reader that was installed.
Picture1 Picture2 3 Camera 4 Skimmer
They entered the ATM area and within 2 minutes they installed these and left. They came back shortly after midnight I will assume to get the skimmer and camera. The skimmer and camera were gone so they left very quickly.
To whom it may concern,
I received a counterfeit note on 04/24/2017 from an unknown source. Image one Image two
United Community Bank of North Dakota
Minot, ND 58701
A counterfeit note report has been filed with the Department of Homeland Security/United States Secret Service.
The look of the bill was a lot darker than a real bill. There was no blue and red thread in it. It just looked more orange and green. I put it through the counting machine and was caught right away for counterfeit.
A customer I had helped through the drive-thru at 5pm claimed I gave it to her when I cashed her check. I can't verify if I received it originally through a previous deposit or it was actually her $20 bill.
01/27/17
Please forward this onto other banks making them aware of her!! Click here for attachments: Fraud Check, Image1, Image2
Sue Faller, Vice President
Kindred State Bank & Insurance Agency
2016
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of First State Bank of Golva:
Yesterday, December 8th, we received a call from US Bank (Omaha) to verify a check we determined with our customer to be fraudulent. Attached is the information received from US Bank along with a copy of the check, a copy of the shipping label that it was received with, and a copy of the fraudulent online employment scam contract that she fell for. Unfortunately, no other information is available. Click here for attachment copies.
10/19/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of Lincoln State Bank:
We have received an alert for “Motion Picture Only” $100 fraudulent bills circulating in Jamestown, Wyndmere, Hankinson and surrounding areas. See attached. Please contact your local law enforcement and Sgt. Leroy Gross, Jamestown Police Department, at 701.251.6206 if you have additional information or can identify a potential suspect. See item (1) here; item (2) here.
9/12/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of First National Bank & Trust Co in Williston:
This morning(Friday, Sept 9th, 2016) I had an elderly gentlemen come into FNB to visit about a loan. He needed $15,000 but he couldn’t tell us why he needed the loan. After much persuasion we were able to get him to tell me why he needed the money. His “grandson” had called him and was in trouble with law enforcement and he needed $15,000 cash to send to New York to post bail. The crime supposedly occurred in Williston and his grandson goes to school in Williston. We asked him if he had tried contacting his grandson to confirm if he was actually in trouble. He was instructed NOT to talk to anyone about this not even his grandson. If he didn’t pay them by the end of today they were sending authorities to get his grandson on Saturday. This is a classic scam situation whereby they are playing on the emotions of an elderly person. The elderly gentlemen had already sent $1,500 yesterday to them in cash. Once they had received the initial $1,500 they tried to get the big pay day with another $15,000. Please be alert of situations like this especially with our elderly customers.
8/12/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of United Community Bank of North Dakota in Minot:
A counterfeit $20.00 note was received on 08-09-16 from the business Harleys. See item here.
The feel of the bill was the first thing noticed; the ‘twenty USA’ strip was not present; Jackson’s face didn’t show thru; the 20 gold imprint was not sparkly-looked printed and not 3D; the eagle was not crisp and looked alittle funny; the signature was different; the font of the numbers looked different and of a different size; and the overall background was lighter.
8/12/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of First National Bank & Trust Co in Williston:
We just had a customer come in to open a new account. Our employee thought the check looked fraudulent. The customer said she would be dog sitting for people. She had a text message telling her to go open an account and see how much cash she can get back, so they can buy supplies for the dog. So the supplies would be here when they got moved up here. We called the bank and were told it was fraudulent. We instructed the girl to go to the police with the check. See attached copy of item.
3/8/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of First National Bank & Trust Company of Williston. We have contacted First National Bank & Trust Company of Williston and they have notified us that there is no such account numbers and they do not have Ronald Rogers as a customer.
‘We have received phone calls concerning cashier’s checks drawn on First National Bank & Trust Co. from South Carolina, Arizona and Texas. They are all fraudulent. The remitter name is currently Ronald Rogers and the amount is $2900 on all checks so far. We know of a customer who bought a cashier’s check and sent a copy to someone who had given her a different fraudulent cashier’s check. The other bank involved was People’s United Bank with ABA 221172186. The authorized signer on First National Bank fraudulent checks is the same signature on the People’s United Bank cashier check. If you have any questions, please call Wendy Hendrickson, First National Bank & Trust Company of Williston 701-577-2113.’
Download the attachment by clicking here.
2/5/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of Bank of North Dakota:
BND’s name used in fraudulent phone call
Bank of North Dakota has received a report that someone claiming to be a representative of Bank of North Dakota called a resident and told her she had won a large sum of money. This type of communication would never come from Bank of North Dakota.
The Bank warns consumers to protect their personal information and not respond to requests from phone scams. For more information on fraud, visit the North Dakota Attorney General’s website at www.ag.nd.gov.
For more information contact Janel Schmitz, Communications & Marketing Manager 328.5880 Cell: 595.6497 Bank of North Dakota
1/19/16
Dear ICBND Bank Members, please note the fraud alert we received on behalf of Commercial Bank of Mott. We have contacted the Commercial Bank of Mott and they have notified us that there is not such account numbers and they do not have Brent Nelson as a customer.
Attached, please find a couple checks presented to CBM for payment. They are fraudulent.
(This message contains attachments delivered via ShareFile.)
- NDBA Fraud Checks.pdf (380.6 kB)
Download the attachments by clicking here.
2015
On May 18, 2015 a counterfeit $20 bill was found in a business deposit at United Community Bank - Burlington. The bill was a very good fake. The Eagle Shield and the '20' were printed in metallic ink although the colors were wrong and they were not raised. No color change when moved. The Federal Reserve letter & number were mismatched. The shadow marking was more of an outline than a detailed image. The strip was not readable. No micro-lines in Jackson's forehead. The shading from blue to green was good, as was the feel of the paper but with no fibers imbedded. As per protocol, the Secret Service was notified and the bill was sent to them.
There are fraudulent GSB&T cashier's checks that have been sent around the United States. The check numbers have varied as well as the beneficiary. The remitter has remained the same and the check amounts have varied, including 1,500.00 and 8,500.00. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Click here to view a sample check.
3/18/15
Tioga PD picked up Matthew Wood and Rachelle Wright on March 1, 2015. These individuals had multiple ID's with them in the vehicle, to include:
Nicholas Keller
Annette Sluder
Milton Sluder
Todd Ratherburn
Ashley Fahrnkopf
Courtney Houle
Falon R. Larouche
Justin LongieJohn Marvin Brooke
Russell Guarin
Charles Scott Belts ("Scotty Belts")
Joseph N. Cooper
Alan Dale Harvell, III
Raymond F. Lynch
Anthony Wayne Ottman
Susan Montgomery
Robbie Akerstrom
Shandy Lynch
Charles Hilzendager
Louis Anderson
Checks purportedly drawn on accounts belonging to and/or made payable to "Nicholas Keller," "Todd Rathburn," Ashley Fahrnkopf," and others were also found.
Checks purportedly drawn on accounts supposedly belonging to Rachelle Wright were also located, which contained information for banks from IN, IL, ND, and possibly other locations.
