Funny Money Reported by Arkansas Bank

We have to admit this one slipped past us, but not a loyal Whispers reader.

It seems Metropolitan National Bank of Little Rock reported last month that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name are/were being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a sweepstakes scam. The checks have/had a correct routing number of 082001247.

This information was issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The checks did not feature Metropolitan’s logo, and listed a phone number — 866-960-1883 — that is not associated with the bank. Items presented as of Nov. 17 were made payable in the amount of $2,650, and did not contain a remitter’s name.

Letters accompanying the checks inform recipients that they have been chosen as a winner in a drawing. The letter also states the attached check is being sent for the recipient to pay for processing fees and duty taxes. Recipients are instructed to contact Claims Agent Ms. Lillian Jordan at 450-369-0078.

Anyone receiving such an item is urged in the OCC release to contact the Federal Trade Commission, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Better Business Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Fraud Complaint Center or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General.