Counterfeit Official Checks: Counterfeit Official Checks of First National Bank in Alamogordo, New Mexico

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit official checks issued in the bank’s name and using the bank’s correct routing number, 112202123, are being presented for payment.  While the counterfeit items are strikingly similar to the authentic items, the counterfeit checks may be identified by the following:  A light blue graduated background (dark to light) with a dark blue banner across the top, which includes a notice “This document has a graduated background. Dark to Light. The reverse side includes an artificial watermark.”  All checks, presented to date show the remitter as Eric Meade, are in the amount of $4,900.00, and include a signature similar to that of bank employee Marie Harms.

Authentic official checks issued by the bank are light blue in color with a background design and include a watermark on the back of the check.  Directly under the payment amount line, the following phrase appears “This document has a colored background, Foil Guard and a backside authentic watermark; absence of these features will indicate a copy.”

Both the authentic and counterfeit checks include the bank’s logo in the upper-left corner with the bank’s address located to the right, and the term “OFFICIAL CHECK” appearing in the top center.

You can verify the authenticity of the First National Bank in Alamogordo’s official checks by contacting Operations Officer Kelly Nichols, at 414 Tenth Street, Alamogordo, NM  88310, by telephone at (505) 443-5272, by fax at (505) 437-1631 or via email at [Kelly.Nichols@fnbalamo.com]. 

Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:

Brian C. McCormally
Director for Enforcement & Compliance