Farmers Bank and Trust has learned that our official checks have been used as a model for counterfeit checks and are being used in three different scams:

1. Australian Lottery Scam.
Checks are for $3,950 or similar amounts. The checks are for the “Insurance Payment” on your prize winnings of $84,000 or some other large amount from RIZ Global, Sidney, Australia. The letters show a North American Regional Office in Alberta Canada, and are from a “Prize Disbursement Manager” named Arthur. The letters have instructions to call a “Claims Analyst” named Frank.

2. North American Ballot Sweepstakes. Checks are for $3,990 or similar amounts. The scam is the same as above, the check is for insurance/processing fees and you are to call “well-trained Claim Analysts” named Amy, Timothy, Amber, or others for assistance. They warn of a security code on the check. The company name is FEXCO Global and sometimes an additional company name is added as well.

3. Mystique Shopper Survey.
Checks are for $2,730 to $2,850 or similar amounts. This check is to cover costs of about six shopping assignments on which you are to complete a service evaluation. Typically the assignments include $50 or more at Wal-mart, $50 or more at Sears, some spent at McDonald’s or Wendy’s and then the scam is the request to send two large amounts back to them, one by Money Gram and one by Western Union. The check they sent you is a worthless fraudulent counterfeit, but the money you would be sending them would be your own good money. This letter may come from a “Human Resources Manager” named Arthur, (same as in #1 above) and includes a copy of a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” and the evaluation form. The letter may show a company address in Alberta, Canada.

If you receive a check from one of these scams, please do not respond or send any money! You will suffer the loss due to the scam because you are responsible for the checks you deposit. Instead, report the check to your local authorities.