Quick Answer: Peoples Bank of Marietta, Ohio reports counterfeit cashier’s checks worth $100,000-$500,000 are circulating nationwide in scams targeting law offices through fake kidnapping threats. The fraudulent checks lack the bank’s toll-free number but include security features, and victims should contact Susan Hornbeck at (740) 374-6117 to verify authenticity.
Peoples Bank of Marietta, Ohio has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 044202505 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with scams targeting law offices.
Counterfeit items closely resemble the bank’s authentic cashier’s checks but may be identified by the following: The checks do not include the bank’s toll-free telephone number of (800) 374-6123; they do, however, include a security statement along the top border of the instrument as well as a heat sensor lock in the bottom-center portion of the check. Items presented to date have been made payable in varying amounts between $100,000 and $500,000. The items also include various remitter names but most commonly Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
Potential victims are initially being contacted by e-mail in a scam to open broker/dealer accounts. Upon the fraudster’s refusal to sign an agreement with the law firm, the fraudster has demanded ransom from particular employees of these law offices informing the victim that his or her family member has been kidnapped. As far as all parties are aware, the kidnapping threat has been a scam as well.
Most money news tells you what happened. I tell you what to do about it.Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
In the latest issue (Oct 8): A parent's nursing home bill can become yours
I write Your Money Actually most weekdays — actionable money information you will not find anywhere else, and the small decisions that compound. It is free, I sell nothing, and I take no money from any company I write about.
For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of Peoples Bank N.A.’s cashier’s checks, please contact Susan Hornbeck, BSA Compliance, by mail at 138 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750; by telephone at (740) 374-6117; by fax at (740) 376-2064; or by e-mail at [shornbeck@pebo.com].
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
