Visa has been made aware of a growing fraud scheme involving a variety of financial instruments including $500 Visa branded counterfeit travelers cheques affecting consumers and merchants.

Criminals in Nigeria and the United States are mailing or couriering counterfeit travelers cheques to U.S. consumers either unsolicited or in settlement of goods including internet orders, rental deposits and others. The cheques are sent along with a request that the accompanying cheques be cashed, a percentage of the value retained for the recipient's benefit, and the balance remitted to addresses mainly in Nigeria/West Africa.

The scam also affects merchants. Criminals or consumers are attempting to use the counterfeit cheques for merchandise and receiving cash for the balance. According to reports from U.S. merchants, the criminals then attempt to return the merchandise for cash.

It's important for merchants and issuers to train their front-line staff about proper authorization procedures for Visa Travelers Cheques, and importantly how to spot counterfeit attempts.

Key features of the counterfeit travelers cheque in circulation:

1. Mostly in $500 denomination and the majority include the AAA personalization.
2. Colors are poorly reproduced and in particular the gold in the Visa logo is a saturated yellow.
3. The holographic thread is visible from the top to the bottom of the travelers cheque unlike that on a genuine item which is only partly visible on the cheque.

Samples of a generic genuine travelers cheque and of a travelers cheque with the AAA personalization are displayed below:

If counterfeit Visa Travelers Cheques are presented to an issuer or merchant for redemption:

- Do not release cash or merchandise without contacting the Visa Global Refund Service (United Kingdom) on toll-free 1-800-227-6811 or using the online verification service www.quickcheque.net <http://www.quickcheque.net>

- Keep the cheque in your possession and record the relevant information from the individual's identification.

To prevent losses to your business Visa International recommends that your cashiers always verify the watermark on all travelers cheques presented. Upon request Visa will mail encashment and acceptance brochures free of charge for your use - please send an e-mail to vtc@visa.com  specifying quantity and delivery address.

If you ever have any questions about a Visa Travelers Cheque call our 24-hr toll-free number 1-800-227-6811.