November 2008

Greer State Bank has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to report that fraudulent cashier’s checks bearing the Bank’s name and logo are in circulation. These fraudulent items are being distributed in conjunction with a mystery shopping scam.

The Scam:

The scam involves a letter sent to the consumer informing them that they have been chosen to represent their company as a mystery shopper. The mystery shopping service, Shoppers Input Inc, includes a set of instructions for the consumer to follow as well as a listing of the shopping tasks they are to complete for this assignment. Several of the shopping tasks involve the wiring of funds using both Western Union and MoneyGram. To assist with the assignment, Shoppers Input Inc. also includes a cashier’s check, payable to the recipient and drawn on Greer State Bank.

The Cashier’s Checks:

While the check bears the Greer State Bank name, logo and bank routing number, these cashier’s checks are fraudulent and consumers should not attempt to cash, deposit or otherwise negotiate them. There is a toll free phone number in the bottom left hand corner that appears to belong to Greer State Bank. This phone number is also fraudulent as Greer State Bank does not maintain a toll free automated service.

Greer State Bank’s cashier’s checks are not tied to any sweepstakes, lotteries, prize drawings or other such contests. We have no association with this company.

Please note that Greer State Bank’s customer data HAS NOT been compromised.

Actions to Take:

If you believe you have received one of these fraudulent cashier’s checks, please contact our Security Officer, Rick Danner, at (864) 877-2000.