It has come to our attention that counterfeit Alden State Bank cashier’s checks are being distributed in connection with a fraudulent “secret shopper” scam.  They include the bank’s logo as well as a fake telephone number.  Authentic Alden State Bank cashier’s checks are pink and blue in color, do not include a telephone number and have a security legend that reads as follows: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK ON BACK – HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO SEE THE MARK WHEN CHECKING ENDORSEMENTS.”

The counterfeit checks are accompanied by a letter from Shoppers Confidential Inc, an anonymous audits/mystery shopping firm with an address in Ashley, N.D.  Recipients are instructed to contact the company immediately and that failure to do so will result in the automatic stop payment order of the check.  The mailing includes a counterfeit check for $4,894.00 or $4,964.00 purporting to be drawn on the Alden State Bank, signed by a Jack A. Dill, details of a “Paid training assignment” that involves making purchases at well known businesses and sending wire transfers using both Western Union and MoneyGram and includes Salary and Training Pay of $340.00.

If you believe that you are in possession of a fraudulent Alden State Bank cashier’s check please contact Carolyn Aldinger, Security Officer, at 716-937-3381.