Capital Briefs: OCC Warns of Fake Financial Instruments

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency this week warned consumers to be on the lookout for fake financial instruments.

The instruments in question are called "certified bankers checks," "certified money orders," or "comptroller warrants." They state that they are drawn on, presented to, or payable through the Treasury Department, the Postal Service, or the OCC, the agency said.

"I am distressed that the public is being deceived by the use of the comptroller's name in connection with a fraudulent payment instrument," Comptroller Eugene A. Ludwig said in a statement Wednesday.

The OCC distributed the warning to newspapers nationwide, according to a spokeswoman. National banks should send any information on these instruments to the agency's enforcement and compliance division, 250 E St., SW, Washington, D.C., 20219.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER