Connecticut’s top bank overseer has issued a consumer alert about a counterfeit bank-check scheme discovered by at least one in-state lender.
The state Banking Department says on its homepage that New Haven Bank reported that fake checks using the bank’s name were being presented for payment. Authorities did not say whether the bank or its depositors lost money in the scheme.
Authorities said characteristics of the fraudulent checks used include the following:
- The bank name is “New Haven Bank”.
- The seven-digit check number begins with “10004”.
- The check date is “September 17, 2019”.
- Payment amounts range between $798 and $2,891.
- The checks fail to include the bank’s logo in the upper left corner.
Anyone with information or concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a check drawn on New Haven Bank, is urged to contact Steven Araujo, senior vice president for risk management and operations at New Haven Bank, 299 Whalley Ave.