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Is Atty. Gen. Ashrock on This Case?

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Times Staff Writer

Yabba dabba don’t!

Federal banking authorities put out an alert this week warning consumers to steer clear of a website linked with the “First National Bank of Bedrock.”

The bank claims to be based in Bedrock, Colo. But according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the institution is as phony as the town of Bedrock that “The Flintstones” call home.

“First National Bank of Bedrock offers normal banking activities, totally secure and completely anonymous! But also ... offers many other unique investments,” the website boasts, including options trading and real estate.

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Regulators aren’t sure whether First National Bank of Bedrock is a joke or a fraud, but they say consumers need to beware.

“There are a lot of scams out there,” said Kevin Mukri, spokesman for the comptroller. “Usually, they’re after the same thing, personal information and account numbers. Unfortunately, these things pop up all the time. We will close down this one, but another one will pop up tomorrow.”

Ruth Swain, postmaster for Bedrock, said the address listed for the bank -- 7729 S. Granite Ave. -- doesn’t exist in her small Rocky Mountain town.

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“Bedrock consists of one store that was built in 1881,” Swain said.

On the bright side, Swain said anyone trying to mail a deposit to First National Bank of Bedrock would have their money promptly returned, just like all those letters she gets addressed to Fred and Wilma Flintstone, not to mention Betty and Barney Rubble.

“I have a stamp,” Swain noted. “It says, ‘Return to Sender: Fictitious Cartoon Character.’ ”

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