Bogus Nigerian Job Offers Which Involve Counterfeit Advance Fee Check Payments or Certification Fraud Scams

Con Job Surveying Relocation Sites

A woman called me this morning and said her friend found a "job opportunity" on Monster.com, surveying sites for a company's relocation. No experience necessary. He applied, and this company sent him a check for $24,000, which cleared. The company said he should send them back all but about $4,000 for the month's expenses. Does this ring any bells??

Anne Michaud
Reporter - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 05/28/02

I have not heard of the job aspect but it is a common and growing scam perpetrated by our Nigerian friends who alter checks or forge them knowing they will take up to 3-6 weeks to eventually be found out. In the meantime the account holder is out the entire amount because they are responsible for deposits, even when duped.

One lady in California is serving 18 months for depositing such a check. Imagine that!

The real crooks get away clean. The full Nigerian story starts at www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/business/nigerian.htm and gets worse from there.

Depositors Soon Working in Prison Garb

I think that I have stumbled into a job scam featuring a company called "Astalumber Ltd." purportedly out of Lithuania. They advertised on Monster.com for a US representative to do telephone sales for them, and I replied, as it appeared legitimate.

All proceeded well up to the point of them making the first monthly payment. At that point, they requested via e-mail if I would accept payment from a US company that owed them a large debt, and wire transfer the difference to Astalumber.

Bells went off, and I sent inquiries to the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania asking them to determine if Astalumber actually existed. They checked the company registration in Lithuania and came up empty. I also forwarded the same request to the commercial attache at the US Embassy in Lithuania, but received no reply.

I did not reply to the e-mail request from Astalumber to accept the overpayment, and I have not heard from them since. I did a search on Astalumber, and found that they had made several other posting on other job sites.

Rod Taylor 05/31/02

Listed on Jobvertise.com as Asta Lumber Ltd.

AstaLumber Ltd, located in Vilnius, Lithuania, is inviting for a job. We specialize in different construction materials: - structural concrete, glass, lumber - building bricks, stone, implements, paint, log - gypsum plaster - construction lime.

Your task consists of: - We give you list of our potential customers with phone numbers. - You need to contact them by phone and offer our goods. Sometimes you'll need to write down order details and relay it to our central office. - You'll need to contact 10-15 companies per day and it won't take more than 3 hours per day, so the job is part-time.

Requirements: - USA citizenship - At least college education. You're paid on the monthly basis, $2600.00 per month. Your salary does not depend on sales. We are going to pay your phone bills. Salary for the first month of the work is paid upfront.

For additional information please mail: job\\astalumber.com

To Monster.com - A Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud ring is using your site to dupe victims into depositing bogus checks into their account as overpayment of wages and then sending the balance to the crooks. One of the names used was Astalumber.

Registrant of astalumber.com:

Trasko, John
vorobeyov\\yahoo.com
Ibuileia 21 - 37 Vilnius, Lithuania 723311
+370175678619

Les Henderson

Thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. Please know that our Sales Representatives do their best in screening potential Monster customers in regards to making sure they meet our Terms of Service.

I have forwarded your information to our Product Department and they will look into this matter and investigate the company/recruiter/employer in question.

mayday\\monster.com 05/31/02

Certification Scam

The fraudulent company, "The Concord Group" is pretending to be a Swiss corporation doing business in Mauritius Island with promises of employment. After sending in an application the company quickly responds with promises of work.

The person writing job offers introduces himself as "Paul Bedell" of Switzerland. All his correspondence is originating from South Africa, where local police are investigating similar frauds, according the Consulate of South Africa in Los Angeles.

There is a fraud awareness website, which has posted his emails at http://offshoreguides.com/BOOK/23_scams_and_frauds.htm

After receiving three emails, they welcome you to the Concord family, but want you to take a mandatory exam from South Africa, which costs USD $795. The IMLSC - Certification Program that they offer is not recognized anywhere.

They also say that they have filed immigration documents with the Mauritius government, but that is not true, since a Mauritius Employment visa application must include two pictures, passport number etc. which they have not obtained.

The Swiss consulate has warned that this fake company supposedly operating out of Zurich is luring jobseekers in the hospitality sector in Mauritius and the Caribbean and swindling them out of their money.

The company recently advertised openings for professionals in accounting, finance, IT, human resources, and management asking jobseekers to file their CVs at the following address: concordway\\mail.com.

It also called on senior food, beverage and cruise line professionals to apply for "highly-paid" jobs in projects owned or managed by the company in different parts of the world.

The aim of the ad was to lure the maximum number of professionals who could later pay so-called employment fees which would be asked from the applicants. Some of the applicants were asked to transfer $800 to process their applications and their work permits.

Investigations uncovered that there was no such company anywhere in Switzerland.

Timo K. Uusikerttula 08/14/02

Once considered , you will be based at the Financial and Accounting services Department of the Concord Group in Port – Louis , Mauritius as Resident Manager- Information Sciences

As compensation for services to be rendered under this contract, your remuneration package will be USD82K (Eighty Two Thousand Dollars ) per annum, as an expatriate the amount is total Net , + mobility , 4 weeks ( 1 month ) all expenses paid leave of absence, life and health care insurance, full accommodation as par your requirement .

The position on offer is based in Port – Louis ( Mauritius )... the assignation may require you to visit offshore centers or be on board certain cruise ships for days...

As you may occasionally be required to visit offshore centers, or sea going cruise liners, or vessels bound by the International SOLAS CONVENTION ( Safety of Life at Sea ), The Republic of Mauritius’s Ministry of Interior requires an International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification (IMLSC ).

Once considered , you may be required to undertake the IMLSC Certification Program . If required we will recommend certain institutions to you ...

Paul Bedell
Head- Human Resources
The Concord Group
9th Floor Concord Plaza
2 Rue Altois ,
Zurich , Switzerland

This is to welcome you to the Concord family and confirm your 2 years employment contract with the Concord Group subject to the submission of an IMLSC number as required for Immigration and Naturalization WORK PERMIT endorsement Issuance .

It has been decided that you must hold and submit an IMLSC- Certification

As the Employment is subject to the submission of a IMLSC –Certification number, concrete arrangement must be made to secure and furnish us with your maritime number of the required IMLSC certification .

As earlier briefed , you are to be responsible for your maritime certification program. The certification program at Maritime House – South Africa takes 16 / 20 hours of studying time at a cost of US$785 covering overnight insured FedEx Courier, study materials and instructions on CD-ROM, online examination access code, past examination papers , and Certification .

Due to time constrains , we have notified the Maritime House of your intent , Maritime House ( South Africa ) you may contact the Rector of Maritime House directly at : rector\\maritimeza.zzn.com

Contact Person : Mr. Gabriel Bayer
Mobile : +27-84-361-3630

All is well , you have the position , we have lodged an IMLSC Waiver Application to the department of Immigration in Mauritius , for an Exemption regarding your undertaking the IMLSC Certification Program...

With reference to previous confirmation regarding Employment with the Concord Group, we herewith attach details in HTML format , So unfortunate the MLSC Exemption was declined .

As we will be handling your relocation and travelling expenses , we will suggest passing through ZURICH to meet me enroute to Port- Louis – Mauritius to take up your appointment...

Expertise at Scamming

From: F.A. SOWEMIMO
Sent: 9/29/2003 12:07:42 PM
Subject: Job Offer/Selection.

Attn:

1.0 Multinational Expertise Limited and Partners has the mandate to procure technical and expatriate labour to complement local personnel and contractors in series of project presently about to commence by Totalfina Elf Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Joint Venture known as the LNG Plus project.

Multinational Expertise Limited haven gone through the curriculum vitae/resume of contacted expatriates recommended for the project have found you qualified and decided to invite you as one of the expatriates to start work as soon as possible.

1.1 All operations will be reported directly/indirectly to the Project Administrator of the NLNG Plus Project Joint Venture through Saibos CML (Contractor) and Totalfina Elf Nigeria Limited. All personnel shall be responsible to the Joint Venture (NLNG Plus).

The programme is a turnkey project with Nigeria LNG limited (NLNG) a mixed company established by NNPC, SHELL, NAOC and Totalfina Elf to produce, market and export Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), for the construction and expansion of a Gas Liquefaction plant, known as the LNG plus. The project concerns the 4th and 5th LNG production lines with an annual capacity of around 4 million tones each. The plant will also produce 1.1 million tones per year of LPG and 0.4 million tones per year of condensates...

..You are hereby advise at this stage to contact the designated agency for the delivery of your contract engagement papers for review and endorsement before commencing the procurement of your relevant travel/immigration papers to enable us ascertain your commitment to the project take-off.

However, you are to borne the expenses of the delivery of your contract engagement papers though reimbursed on confirmation and completion of your contract engagement documents.

The Travel Consultants address is as follows:

Elsilver Travel Agency
evtravelconsultancy\\yahoo.co.uk
Contact Person: Tunde Phillips
Phone Number: 234-802-338-8650
Fax Number: 234-1-759-9058

The Travel Consultant has also been informed in this regard; your present location and a day-time telephone number would also be required for sake of efficiency and correspondence...

Rig Roustabout Rip-off

Below are the emails sent to me as a result of responding to an advert in the newspaper.

Good Day

With reference to your application for employment consideration with Group Twenty.

Glad to inform that we received and are currently reviewing your Resume/CV and we are in the final process of considering your considering your Employment Application with the Group Twenty Family.

The Board will be convening a final decision on Thursday afternoon or soon as possible , and hence of great importance to complete attached EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION and clarify the following :

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Simplified Procedure cutting away all time wasting employment procedure, we will evaluate your resume , contact your references and only when we are satisfied of a good match will we contact you for any other information required or as in certain cases , we may be able to offer a position within 48 hours of receiving and evaluating all credentials and details .

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE URGENT NATURE OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS . YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MOBILIZE OR TAKE UP POSITION immediately OR WITHIN 4 WEEKS TO 8
WEEKS .

You must check up available position , Employment Location and Expected Salary online at : http://grouptwenty.20m.com before attempting to complete the Employment Application Form .

APPLICATION FORM

Name : _______________________________
Permanent Address : ___________________
Date of Birth :_________________________
Country of Origin :-____________________
Contact Telephone : ____________________
Fax :____________ E-Mail :______________

Employment Interest :___________________
* Please check available position at : http://grouptwenty.20m.com

Expected Salary in USD :________________
Do You hold an IMLSC Certification :_________
Please provide 2 References, details to include contact Telephone , Fax and Email .

In the event that you do not hold an IMLSC Certification a SOLAS requirement ( International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification ), you are to be fully responsible for the cost of your certification Program.

As position may require you to visit offshore centers , or on board oil and gas installations or vessels bound by the SOLAS Convention, in accordance to the Safety of Life on Sea Convention (SOLAS) , you may be required to undertake an International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification Program covering :

Global Maritime and Safety System -ROC-IA ( GMDSS ) Basic Environmental Health and Safety with Hazwoper Induction. International Bridge Resource Management Program

If IMLSC is required, we will recommend certain institutions to you ( the Program should take you no more than a week, some institutions offer these programs online or by correspondence.

It must be noted that we would be responsible for your WORK PERMIT expenses, return airfare and all relocation expenses , accommodation is on need basis . Full international health and life insurance coverage will be provided .

Thanks
Joan Adela ide

The Group Twenty
14th Floor, Twenty Plaza
45 Rue La Fayette , Paris, France, 7509
Tel/Fax :- +33-1-5301-4678
email : gp20-jadel\\europe.com

There will be no traditional interview , the contract is performance based, in view of which we offer a probation period of 6 months, both parties at the end of the 6 months can reach a mutual compromise regarding performance level, contract continuity or termination .

The Position is based in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea , a relatively quiet and peaceful country .

Acceptance of Employment

Section 1.01 . Employer hereby employs Employee and Employee hereby accepts employment with Employer as Rig Roustabout, Equatorial Guinea.

The renewable 2 years contract is subject to submission of an IMLSC Certification Number, an Immigration requirement, we will require your IMLSC number to finalize Immigration, Work Permit Issuance. It has been decided that you must hold and submit an IMLSC Certification.

Concrete arrangement must be made to secure and furnish us with your maritime number of the required IMLSC certification.

As earlier briefed , you are to be responsible for your maritime certification program , The certification program at Maritime House Namibia takes 16 / 20 hours of studying time at a cost of US$58 covering overnight insured FedEx Courier, study materials and instructions on CD-ROM, online examination access code, past examination papers, and Certification.

We will suggest you contact the Rector of Maritime House at :
Contact Person : Mr. Winston Graham
Contact Email : enrolment\\maritzna.zzn.com

sent in by Harvey in South Africa 04/15/03

Scammers Seem to be Selecting South Africans

Below is a copy of an email received in response to an advert in the Career Times (Supplement of the Cape Times) on the 7 April 2003.I was one of the unfortunate ones to have lost money to this scam. Hopefully these guys will be stopped soon.

When chatting to my stepfather, he said that he heard of two other guys who fell for the same scam. The only thing different was the names and the bank account number.

After I deposited the money for the IMLSC course, I never received the material. I then emailed "Joan Adelaide" again and never had a reply.

It was then that I became suspicious. After going back onto the web to look at the website that "Joan Adelaide" referred me to, it was gone!

When speaking to the local police they confirmed that this was the second case that they had heard of in this matter.

Wesley Pearce
Cape Town, South Africa 05/07/03

Date : 15^th of April 2003

Good Day

With reference to your application for senior position with Group Twenty .

Please find attached Employment Letter and Draft Employment Contract .

Please note that the Employment Contract attached is a Draft Copy, subject to mutual amendment , we have attached the Contract for your perusal .

Far from traditional recruitment , prospective candidates are electronically matched with available positions, after electronic screening , the Board meets to render a final decision .

The Position is based in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, a relatively quiet and peaceful country .

The renewable 2 years contract is subject to submission of an IMLSC Certification Number , an Immigration requirement, we will require your IMLSC number to finalize Immigration, Work Permit Issuance .

As briefed in the contract, we will be responsible for your relocation expenses, your contract will be endorsed with a 2 years Work Permit as required by the responsible Department of Labour, and Home Affairs Equatorial Guinea .

Be kind to inform as to your willingness to accept the position as offered , or if unable to take up the position , kindly advise .

Joan Adelaide

================================

Date : 15^th of April 2003

Reference: EMTP-0518/02910

Good Day

This is to welcome you to the Group Twenty family and confirm your 2 years employment contract with Group Twenty commencing from the 24^th of May 2003 .

Subject to the submission of an International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification number as required for Immigration and Naturalization- WORK PERMIT Issuance .

You will be primarily based in Equatorial Guinea , Reporting directly to the Manager Personnel as Rig Roustabout, OTUBO GAS .

It has been decided that you must hold and submit an IMLSC- Certification.

As you may occasionally be required to be onboard offshore oil and gas installations , you are bound by the International SOLAS CONVENTION ( Safety of Life Offshore ), The Republic of Equatorial Guinea Department of Labour and Home Affairs requires an International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification (IMLSC ).

Concrete arrangement must be made to secure and furnish us with your maritime number of the required IMLSC certification

You are to be fully responsible for your IMLSC-Certification Program .

We are responsible for your re-location expenses , from country of residence to your official Location ,Malabo , with a maximum of 4 dependants allowed , this expenses covered you/your family’s return traveling expenses , and all expenses concerning freight of your personal effects from country of residence to Equatorial Guinea .

As compensation for services to be rendered under this contract , your remuneration package will be US$38,000 (Thirty Eight Thousand Dollars ) per annum , as an expatriate the amount is total Net , + mobility , 4 weeks ( 1 month ) all expenses paid leave of absence , life and health care insurance , full accommodation as par your requirement .

As earlier briefed , you are to be responsible for your maritime certification program , The certification program at Maritime House – Namibia takes 16 / 20 hours of studying time at a cost of US$58 covering overnight insured FedEx Courier, study materials and instructions on CD-ROM, online examination access code, past examination papers , and Certification .

We will suggest you contact the Rector of Maritime Hose at :

Contact Person : Mr. Winston Graham
Contact Email : enrolment\\maritzna.zzn.com

You are to make direct contact with the Maritime House for whatever course arrangement .

Please keep me posted .
Thanks
Joan Adelaide

==================================

Group Twenty Inc
45 Rue La Fayette ,
Paris , France ,
Tel/Fax: +33-1-5301-4678
http://grouptwenty.20m-com

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

The Group Twenty Inc , a corporation registered in France with International Oil and Gas interest hereinafter referred to as "Employer " , the undersigned , __________________ herein referred to as " Employee " in consideration of mutual promises made herein agreed as follows :

ARTICLE 1 . EMPLOYMENT

Acceptance of Employment

Section 1.01 . Employer hereby employs Employee and Employee hereby accepts employment with Employer as Rig Roustabout , Equatorial Guinea .

Terms of Employment

Section 1.02 . The employment period will commence from the 24^th of May 2003 , or as agreed , for a total duration of 24 months after which time said employment shall ceased or be renewed for a further 2 years or as to be mutually agreed .

ARTICLE 2 . DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE

Position , Description and Duties

Section 2.01 .

The primary tasks of a Roustabout is drilling aboard the oil rig. Additional tasks include unloading supplies from the support vessels and producing wells service units.

Time and Attention

Section 2.02 . Employee agrees to devote all of his/her time, attention and energy to the performance of Employee’s duties pursuant to this agreement , and shall perform such duties to the best of Employee’s ability .

Adherence to Rules

Section 2.03 . Employee’s at all times during the performance of this Agreement shall strictly adhere to and obey all the rules and regulations now in effect or as subsequently modified or enacted by Employer , governing the conduct of Employees.

Satisfactory Performance of Duties

Section 2.04. The employment shall continue only as long as the services rendered by Employee are satisfactory to Employer , notwithstanding any other provision contained in this agreement . Employer shall be the judge as to whether the services of Employee are satisfactory .

Obligations to Third Parties

Section 2.05. Employee warrants and represents that Employee has the ability to enter into this agreement , that entering into and performing under this Agreement will not violate Employee’s agreement with any third party , and that there exist no restrictions or obligations to any third parties which will restrict Employee’s performance of duties under this agreement .

ARTICLE 3 . COMPENSATION

Basic Compensation

Section 3.01

As compensation for services to be rendered under this contract , your remuneration package will be USD38K (Thirty Eight Thousand Dollars ) per annum , as an expatriate the amount is total Net , + mobility , 4 weeks ( 1 month ) all expenses paid leave of absence , life and health care insurance , full accommodation as par your requirement .

Vacation Pay

Section 3.02 . Employee shall be entitled to paid vacation of 4 weeks . Although vacations will be granted at times requested by Employee , Employer reserves the right to determine or approve the vacation time . Employee shall not be able to accrue any vacation time in any year until the vacation time for the period year has been fully used .

Group Health Insurance

Section 3.03 . As further compensation , Employee is entitled to participate , to the extent available to other employees of Employer and under terms afforded to other employees of Employer , in and to any group insurance provided by Employer to such employees .

Effect of termination on Compensation

Section 3.04. Contract is subject to a probation period of 6 months , the probation period will be performance based , the contract will run to fullness only if mutually satisfied with performance and working environment . If mutually unsatisfied with working environments or working performance , we will give an additional equivalent of 3 months compensation pay.

In the event of termination of employment, Employee shall be entitled to compensation accrued and earned prior to the date of termination as provided for in this Article 3.04 , computed pro-rata up to and including the date of termination . Other than as may be provided herein.

Section 3.05 : After the 6 months probation period , In the event of termination of employment, Employee shall be entitled to compensation accrued and earned prior to the date of termination as provided for in this Article 3.04 , computed pro-rata up to and including the date of termination . Other than as may be provided herein to the contrary. Employee shall be entitled to no further compensation following such date of termination.

ARTICLE 4 . EMPLOYER’S RECORD/TRADE SECRETS

Non-Disclosure of Records

Section 4.01 .

All records of the accounts of Employer , of any nature , whether existing at the time of Employee’s employment , procured through efforts of Employee or obtained by Employee’s employment from any other source , and whether prepared by Employee or otherwise , shall be the exclusive property of Employer regardless of who actually purchased the original book , record or magnetic storage unit on which such information is recorded .
All such books and records shall be immediately returned to Employer by Employee on termination of employment , whether or not any dispute exists between Employer and Employee at , regarding and/or following the termination of employment .
During the term of employment under this Agreement , Employee will have access to and become acquainted with various trade secrets, consisting of formulas, programs , patterns, devices , inventions , processes , compilation of data and information , records , and specifications , all of which are owned by Employer .
All files , records, documents, drawings, specifications ,programs ,equipment and similar items relating to the business of Employer , whether they are prepared by Employer or by Employee , or come into Employee’s possession in any other way and whether or not they contain or constitute trade secrets owned by Employer, are and shall remain exclusive property of Employer and shall not be removed from the premises of Employer under any circumstances whatsoever without the prior written consent of Employer .
Employee promises and agrees that Employee shall not misuse, misappropriate , give , sell, furnish nor disclose , whether for consideration or for no consideration, , and whether or not during or following his/her employment with Employer , or at any other time thereafter , any trade secrets described herein, directly or indirectly or use them in any way or manner, for his/her own benefit or the benefit of others, except as required in the course or scope of Employee’s employment with Employer . Employee agrees and promises not to make known to other person, firm, or corporation , the names , addresses or any other information of any of Employer’s customers or vendors, or call on , solicit,or take away any of the customers ofEmployee called on or with whom Employee became acquainted with during his or her employment herein .
Employee agrees that the use or dissemination of any trade secrets as described above , whether by Employee or by any other person or entity, constitutes unfair trade practices . Employee agrees to not employ unfair trade practices . Employee agrees to not employ unfair trade practices whether during the time of his employ or at any time thereafter.

ARTICLE 5 . GENERAL PROVISIONS

Notices

Section 5.01 . Any notices to be given by either party to the other may be effected either by personal delivery in writing or by mail, registered and certified , postage prepaid with return receipt requested . Mailed notices shall be addressed to the parties at their last known addresses as appearing on the books of the Employer.

Entire Agreement

Section 5.02 . This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements , either oral or written, between the parties with respect to the employment of Employee by Employer for the purpose set forth in article 2.01., and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to such employment whatsoever . Each party to this agreement acknowledges that no misrepresentations, inducements , promises or agreements , orally or otherwise , have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein , and that no other agreement , statement , or promises not contained in this agreement shall be valid or binding . Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing signed by the party to be charged .

Law Governing Agreement

Section 5.03 . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of France .

Attorney’s Fees and Costs

Section 5.04 . If any legal action is necessary or brought in any court or arbitration proceeding to enforce or interpret the terms of this agreement , the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees , costs and all expenses as necessary ,in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled . This provision shall be construed as applicable to the contract.

This Agreement is entered into on ______________ at _________________

___________________________

Employer’s Signature

IMLSC NUMBER : ________________
WORK PERMIT VALIDATION , DATE : ______________

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Fraudulent Bonus Checks For Non-Existent Jobs

03/02 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that some individuals and banks are being victimized by a scheme involving online job applications. The individuals have applied for and accepted jobs through an online job search service advertising "signing bonuses" of approximately $2,500 to new hires.

Each prospective employee has received a check ranging from $19,000 to $50,000 by mail from the prospective employer with instructions to deposit the check, preferably at an ATM. The recipient is further instructed to keep $2,000 to $4,000, depending upon the amount of the signing bonus, and return the balance of the money by wire to a location in Europe.

The checks are fraudulent; therefore, the depositor is ultimately responsible for any amounts charged back to his or her account by the bank resulting from the dishonor of the checks. In some cases, banks have suffered losses when a customer has been unable to cover the overdrafts resulting from the dishonor and return of the fraudulent checks.

Some of the checks bear the bank name and address of Mercantile Bank, 425 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, and the names of various legitimate bank customers; however, the routing number on the checks (011002725) is assigned to the Mercantile Bank and Trust Company, Boston, Massachusetts.

Other checks bear the bank name and address of First City Bank, 135 Perry Avenue, S. E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, and names of various legitimate customers; however, the routing numbers on the checks (011104322) and (044002909) are assigned to the First City Bank, New Britain, Connecticut, and First City Bank, Columbus, Ohio, respectively.

Any information you may have about these checks or this scheme should be immediately reported to the nearest office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The number may be found in your telephone book under U. S. Government, or on the FBI's Web site at http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/info.htm.

Information about these checks or similar items may also be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room F-6012, Washington, DC 20429 or by email to alert@fdic.gov.

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Crimes of Persuasion

Schemes, scams, frauds.