An official check that was sold through Troy Bank & Trust on Jan. 7 has become the center of a scam operation.

The check was purchased in the amount of $5.11, but has been counterfeited and the amount increased to varying sums, up to $11,000.

These counterfeited checks are then used in a variety of scams, all designed to obtain cash back from the copied check, bank officials said.

According to Mark Jordan, TB&T assistant vice-president and security officer, the counterfeited checks have been passed in Mississippi, Eight Mile, AL, Geneva, AL, and most recently in Dothan, AL.

&uot;We want to make sure that those who are in positions to accept these checks, look for all of the security features that are on genuine official checks, but that are missing on these checks in question,&uot;

said Jordan.

&uot;People need to verify that the check has a watermark on the back and a microprint signature line.

Additionally, the background of a genuine official check has a green swirl with green writing,&uot; he said.

The checks have been presented most often in connection with the fraudulent purchase of automobiles.

Troy Police Dept. spokesman Benny Scarborough said the bank had contacted the department, but no case was being investigated since the actual crimes did not occur in Troy.

&uot;What they wanted to do was get this information out to let people know people were out trying to this,&uot; he said. &uot;They wanted local business to be know the potential existed.&uot;

The individual(s) involved in the scam were last seen driving a dark blue, 1988 or '89 Lincoln Town Car, with Florida license plates.

If you have seen the individual in the attached photo, please contact your local authorities.